Friday, July 20, 2012

Your Weekend: Galveston's Historic District

Being BOI, or born on the island, is a big deal in Galveston. Artist Eugene Aubry, BOI and nationally famous architect, captures on paper the sensitibilities, the memories, and the grace that evokes Galveston, in his exquisite watercolors and drawings. 

In Born on the Island: The Galveston We Remember (Texas A&M University Press, 2012), artist Eugene Aubry and architectural historian Stephen Fox collaborate to enhance the visual record of the buildings and the unique architectural style many have appreciated over the years, as well as produce a tribute to the great island of Galveston.

The Mallory Building, located in Galveston's famous Strand Historic District and featured in the book, is an example of one nostalgiac Galvestonian site. It's a must-see!

Location: The Mallory Building, 2114 Strand, Galveston, Texas

Getting There: From Houston, take I-45 South for 50 miles. Continue onto TX-87 N/Broadway Avenue J, and turn left onto 33rd St. After .5 miles turn right onto Harborside Dr, take another quick right onto 22nd St, and then turn left onto Avenue B/Strand St. The Mallory Building will be on the left!

About the Mallory Building: Located in Galveston’s famous Strand Historic District, the Mallory Building is a recorded Texas Historic Landmark since 1962. Although originally built in 1877, the building was rebuilt in 1881 after a fire. It is a great example of 19th century architecture and history.

What You’ll See: The Mallory Building, sometimes known as the Produce Building, is located on the most popular street of Galveston, the Strand. Its beautiful Victorian Era architecture contains many layers of space that appeal to its unique architecture design. It also has many arched openings along the sidewalk.

While You’re At It: Walk alongside the most popular tourist attraction in Galveston, the Strand. This strip in downtown Galveston is named as a National Historic Landmark District. The street contains many 19th century buildings that now house various shops and restaurants, giving tourists much to see, eat, and explore.




--Madeline Loving