Mitchell Historic Properties Commits $30 Million to Help Rebuild Downtown Galveston

Mitchell Historic Properties (MHP) launched a massive cleanup and restoration program in downtown Galveston immediately following the devastation of Hurricane Ike. MHP is working with several general contractors to oversee the cleanup and reconstruction projects of approximately 20 historic buildings including The Tremont House and Harbor House as well as Hotel Galvez on the beachfront.

An estimated 350 workers, including architects, mechanical, electrical and structural engineers, environmentalists and subcontractors, are involved in this reconstruction project. A majority of the buildings are in the final stages of the dry out process. Four weeks following the storm, staff reports that 95 percent of all clean up and demolition work is complete in all buildings.

Galveston preservationist and developer George P. Mitchell and the Mitchell family, owners of these properties, have instructed MHP to move forward with the rebuild process as quickly as possible. Initial estimates put the cost of disaster relief, cleanup and building renovation at more than $30 million.

"The damage caused by Hurricane Ike presents a challenge but our family is committed to rebuilding and reviving downtown Galveston," said Grant Mitchell, son of George Mitchell and president of MHP. "Our historic hotels and commercial properties are an essential part of Galveston, its economy and future growth."

Construction schedules estimate that tenants, including commercial and residential, should be able to reoccupy their space between 120 to 180 days from Sept. 13. Due to flooding, all electrical and mechanical systems on the first floors in most buildings are being completely replaced.

MHP oversees Galveston properties owned by George Mitchell and the Mitchell family including its commercial and residential properties located downtown. Over the past 30 years, the Mitchells have invested more than $125 million in rehabilitating historic properties in The Strand National Historic Landmark District.

Mitchell Historic Properties include:

• Armour & Co. Building
• Berlocher Row (2 buildings)
• Butterowe Building
• Dargan & Tobyn Building
• Davidson Building
• Harbor House Hotel (part of Pier 21)
• Hotel Galvez
• Heidenheimer Hunter Building
• Hutchings-Sealy Building
• Heidenheimer Marine Building
• Old Galveston Square
• Pier 21 Buildings (2 buildings)
• Rosenberg Building
• T. Jefferson League Building
• Thompson & Co. Building
• Thorne Building
• The Tremont House (3 buildings)
• Washington Hotel Building

MHP has launched a website which features tenant updates and hotel updates on its restoration progress. The website address is http://www.mitchellhistoricproperties.com.