The Lofts at the Texas Building
Transforming an historic office building into luxury downtown lofts, Holliday Builders created 16 units on 5 floors in the hub of Galveston’s Postoffice Street gallery district. Four floors offer owners a variety of views of historic Galveston Island–on the lower levels, residents feel a part of the active street scene; at mid-level, they are at birdseye level with the remarkable architectural detail of surrounding buildings; on the upper floors, they see the historic East End and even the Gulf of Mexico. The project involved complete gutting of the 25,000-square-foot facility, and creative restructuring to include spaces suited for modern living. The ground floor was developed for commercial lease space.

Location: Galveston, Texas
Owner: H & L Holdings L.P.

Texas A&M University at Galveston C-Dorm
Working closely with the Galveston Campus Housing Coordinator, Holliday Builders was able to perform a complete interior renovation with modification to the infrastructure of this student housing facility during a very restrictive timeframe. The job could not begin until after the students left the campus for the summer break, and had to be completed before they returned in the fall. The schedule was met, and the dormitory was ready for occupancy when needed.

Location: Galveston, Texas
Owner: Texas A&M University

Heidenheimer Marine Building
Built in the late 1800’s, this two-story 20,000-square-foot building sits near Galveston’s Strand District. Working with the Texas Historical Commission, Holliday Builders was contracted to restore the shell of the building and build out the interior for tenant use. The building’s second floor is currently used for executive office space, while the first floor is designed for retail shops.

To meet insurance standards, the interior elevation of the building had to be raised four feet. As is often the case with restoration projects, the full extent of structural deterioration was not known until work began. Installing an elevator inside the building also presented a unique challenge as the water table is only two feet below ground.

The project required restoration of stucco and plaster, replacing all plumbing and wiring and completely revamping the building’s infrastructure. In keeping with the historic character of the building, Holliday Builders renovated the original millwork and reused it in the finished interior.

Location: Galveston, Texas
Owner: George Mitchell
Architect: Ford Powell & Carson

Saint Mary’s Cathedral
The oldest Catholic church in the Houston/Galveston Diocese, this building needed a stabilized structure and exterior. Holliday Builders also rebuilt the interior structure of the once termite-infested 80-foot church towers.

Upgrading the church was especially challenging due to the poor condition of the brick, plaster and rotten wood that covered the building. The original foundation was built at what was then ground level. After the storm of 1900, an attempt was made to elevate the entire island by six feet. Most of the ground was built up around existing structures, immersing walls six feet into the ground and thus into the water table. This caused a “wicking” effect as the stucco and plaster absorbed the moisture into the walls. As the years passed, this condition resulted in corrosion of the structure’s elements. After these exterior upgrades were made, the newly restored building was completely water proofed to preserve it from the humid environment and dampening effects of walls partially beneath the water table.

Location: Galveston, Texas
Owner: Diocese of Houston

Runge House
Now the residence of the president of the University of Texas Medical Branch, the exterior of the 1923 home was restored while the interior was remodeled. Holliday Builders restored the exterior masonry, replaced the roof and installed both a pool and garage without damaging the original character of the home. The exterior work was complemented by extensive new landscaping.

The inside of the home now boasts an elevator and a beautiful new kitchen which required the displacement of walls. Rich oak paneling was refurbished throughout. Two upstairs bedrooms were remodeled into a master bedroom and all bathrooms were rebuilt. In keeping with Holliday Builder’s reputation for attention to detail and authenticity, the original brass and glass light fixtures were restored during the rewiring of the entire house.

Location: Galveston, Texas
Owner: The University of Texas Medical Branch
Architect: Barry Moore Architects, Inc.

Trinity Episcopal Church
Holliday Builders managed the renovation of this 1843 church, including the design and coordination of engineering services.

Damaged by hurricane Alicia, the exterior of the church needed roof and structural restoration, including the south 120-foot by 40-foot wall which was completely pulled away from the structure. This was accomplished by restoring the original timbers at the roof line and replacing the tie-rods at an elevation ranging from 40 to 70 feet.

Inside, Holliday Builders worked with the music ministry to design a new area specifically for the church’s organ. In order to maintain the existing architectural design, organ pipes were concealed in a walnut encasement.

Location: Galveston, Texas
Owner: Episcopal Diocese of Texas