Landmark Commission approves tax-verification requests for two restored Galveston houses

The Galveston Landmark Commission on Nov. 3 voted to approve two tax-verification requests under the city—s substantial rehabilitation for historic properties program, finding the projects met the program—s spending thresholds. Staff recommended approval in both cases; City Council will review final eligibility on Dec. 11.

For case 25LCO043 (2327 Avenue M), staff reported the program—s minimum threshold to participate was $136,000 and the applicant submitted documentation of $180,000 in qualifying expenditures for repairs, roofing, painting and new systems. Staff said approval would allow the city portion of the property tax to be frozen for 10 years at the property—s pre-improvement value of $380,000. Contractor Beau Rollins described the work as a full exterior and interior renovation that reclaimed original doors and floors and relied on archival research at Rosenberg Library to substantiate historic features. "This was a full exterior and interior renovation," Rollins said, and he called the project "a good example of what this tax incentive can bring to the island." A motion to approve passed.

For case 25LCO045 (1721 Post Office), staff said the participation threshold was $90,000 and the applicant documented $128,000 in qualifying expenses for foundation, roofing, plumbing, electrical and HVAC. Staff said approval would freeze the city portion of property taxes for 10 years at the pre-improvement value of $250,000. Homeowner Robert Fakney described heavy cleanup and restoration work, including disposal of large amounts of trash and restoration of original floors, doors and remaining windows. The commission approved the verification per staff recommendations.

Both approvals were recorded by the commission and will be forwarded to City Council for final review on Dec. 11, as required by the program procedures.