If you’re searching for commercial real estate in Galveston with a strong sense of history and character, Old Galveston Square is a space you won’t want to miss. Built in 1859, this icon of Texas history stands three stories tall and occupies a central location in the Strand National Historic District.
With more than 60,000 square feet of commercial real estate for rent, Old Galveston Square is one of the most in-demand properties in the city. Storefronts on the first level of the building boast a variety of shops in Galveston, offering everything from gourmet chocolates and jewelry to vintage-style photography and home décor. On the second and third levels, private offices for rent and a full-service restaurant enjoy pleasant views of the historic district below.
For more than a century and a half, Old Galveston Square has witnessed many of the most important moments in the city’s history. Today, it stands as a beloved historic site and an outstanding place for local businesses to call home.
Commercial Space for Rent in Old Galveston Square
Located at 2215 Strand Street, Old Galveston Square occupies a prime piece of real estate in historic downtown. It is on the city’s trolley route, making it easy for both tenants and their clients to access the building. A short walk takes you around the entire Strand District, putting the building’s businesses at the heart of the bustling community. Just minutes from the Galveston Historic Seaport, the office and retail spaces benefit from the building’s close proximity to the area’s top highlights.
Tenants also have the flexibility of 24-hour availability, as well as private storage units available for their use. Because the office and retail spaces for rent range from 1,000 to more than 4,500 square feet, a broad range of business sizes and types can flourish here. Natural light from the large windows and skylights creates a sense of brightness and openness throughout the structure, giving this 1800s structure a decidedly modern feel. As tenants head to their workspaces, they travel through the spacious Atrium, ride in the charming glass elevator, and then walk along the open breezeways to their offices.
Available offices are often rented very quickly, largely due to high demand. In addition to a location in one of Galveston’s best-known buildings, the offices for rent also offer highly desirable features, such as:
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- Reception areas
- Conference rooms
- Private offices
- Exposed brick
- Hardwood floors
- Antique lighting
- Extra storage space
- Oversized windows
An Intense Restoration After a Devastating Natural Disaster
When Old Galveston Square was purchased by Mitchell Historic Properties in 1987, the early stages of restoration were already underway. The Mitchells continued the restoration efforts, putting their trademark touch on returning the structure to its former glory.
However, in 2008, Hurricane Ike would be the catalyst for another round of renovation work. The hurricane damaged many of the historic structures in Galveston, and the Strand Distract experienced significant destruction. Mitchell Historic Properties poured millions of dollars into the city’s cleanup efforts, working tirelessly to repair the district’s legendary buildings.
The entire first floor of Old Galveston Square required restoration, including all of the walls and floors. Once repairs on the ground level were complete, Mitchell Historic Properties began renovating the second and third levels as well. The goal was to modernize the space to provide excellent office space accommodations, while still preserving the historic characteristics as much as possible.
Transforming a Historic Building into a Powerful Piece of Art
Old Galveston Square has long been one of the highlights of the Stand District, receiving plenty of attention from visitors and locals alike. But in June of 2021, the building received an awe-inspiring update in the form of a public art installation created by The Juneteenth Legacy Project.
The entire east side of the Old Galveston Square Building was used as a canvas for an inspiring mural, titled “Absolute Equality.” Unveiled in honor of the newly-recognized federal holiday, Juneteenth (June 19th), the mural depicts a series of scenes that tell the story of slavery. Four larger-than-life portals show the evolution of slavery in America, beginning with the first nonnative enslaved person and ending with the historic events of Juneteenth.
Painted by artist Reginald C. Adams and his team, the Galveston mural was commissioned by the Juneteenth Legacy Project Committee. Grant and Lori Mitchell of Mitchell Historic Properties, along with Sheridan Lorenz, served on the committee alongside a number of prominent community leaders. Mitchell Historic Properties is honored to have the opportunity to donate the space for the art installation and takes great pride in the incredible addition to the Old Galveston Square building.
For both current and future tenants in the leasing property, being able to work from a space with such a rich history and bright future is one of the biggest draws to the building.
Galveston Office Space for Rent in an Unparalleled Location
Leasing commercial space in historic Galveston presents an exceptional opportunity for tenants to grow their business in a thriving area that’s rich in history and culture. The Strand District welcomes a steady flow of visitors and locals alike, providing consistent traffic that benefits the diverse collection of local businesses.
Mitchell Historic Properties is proud to support both historic preservation and economic development in Galveston, using our position as a leader in the community to advocate for the city’s businesses, residents, and history alike. In addition to Old Galveston Square, we also manage properties for rent in a number of treasured historic sites throughout the city.
Request more information about our commercial spaces for rent in Galveston, including currently available spaces in Old Galveston Square, please contact Mitchell Historic Properties today.
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