Galveston’s Strand District Block Listed for $15M in Rare Historic Offering

Three buildings in Galveston’s historic Strand district—including its oldest—are on the market for $15 million. The properties offer a mix of commercial space, event venues, and historic charm in one of the island’s most sought-after locations.

Kyra Runolfsdottir

By 

Kyra Runolfsdottir

Published 

Aug 5, 2025

Galveston’s Strand District Block Listed for $15M in Rare Historic Offering

Three historic business buildings in the heart of Galveston's Strand Historic District are now on the market for $15 million. These buildings are a rare piece of the city's 19th-century history, offering investors the opportunity to own one of the island's most historic blocks.

The properties, listed for sale through the Houston Association of Realtors, encompass the block between 20th and 21st streets and feature more than 44,000 square feet of commercial space. Together, they tell the story of Galveston's heyday as a major port on the Gulf Coast and showcase how the city is evolving into a destination where people come to conduct business, visit, and experience its rich culture.

Built in 1857, the E.B. Nichols Building is the oldest of the three. It is thought to be the oldest building on the Strand. Officers of the Confederacy used to work in this building during the Civil War. It is now home to a variety of businesses, including Mysticatz, a store specializing in spiritual items, and A Pirate's Life, a store offering souvenirs. In its long history, it has been a naval machine shop.

The J.W. Jockusch Building is right next door. It was built in the late 1800s and was once owned by Galveston's notorious Maceo family during the Prohibition era. With two event rooms on the second floor, one named "Maceo Fish and Oyster Company," the Jockusch's 2,500-square-foot balcony is a Mardi Gras favorite for both locals and tourists.

The third building is the J.D. Rogers Building, which was finished in 1894 and is the most impressive in terms of architecture. It is now a wedding and event space featuring a large hall measuring 9,000 square feet and a reception room of 1,500 square feet. A Galveston trolley stop is in the Rogers building, which is also next to a Hubcap Grill.

The ad states that the buildings offer numerous opportunities for generating revenue and have room to grow in the future. The space is marketing itself as an excellent venue for business events and portfolio growth, which leverages ancient foundations that have a lot of appeal for real estate investors.

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