Planning Commission recommends landmark designations for two Post Office Street buildings with council review set for April 24

The Planning Commission recommended approval of landmark designation requests for two Post Office Street properties: the Molly Walters house at 2528 Post Office (case 25P-008) and the former Central Drugstore at 2116 Post Office (case 25PD-009). Both nominations were presented by staff and supported by applicants and local preservation advocates.

Daniel, a city planning staff member, summarized the two nominations. He described 2528 Post Office as a National Folk–style house constructed in 1886 and long associated with Galveston’s 19th-century “free state” era; the house is already listed in the National Register of Historic Places and the applicant proposes to restore a historic bay window. The Landmark Commission reviewed the nomination on April 7 and unanimously recommended approval; staff noted City Council will make the final decision on April 24.

For 2116 Post Office, staff described a building constructed in 1914 in the Chicago commercial style that later housed the Central Drugstore and a luncheonette; staff noted surviving storefront tile and interior features and said the Landmark Commission recommended the nomination. Several speakers supported both nominations. Architect Laura Carrera, representing the applicant on the Molly Walters house, said the property is a rare surviving example of a residence originally operated as a brothel and that restoration work and interior cleaning are underway. Longtime local business owner Clyde Wood spoke in support of the Central Drugstore nomination and described community memories of the lunch counter and soda-fountain era.

Planning commissioners voted to recommend designation for both properties; staff and applicants said the nominations will be forwarded to City Council for final action on April 24.