Michael Cordray: Restoring Galveston’s Historic Homes
Michael Cordray is an American reality TV star and home renovator, born in 1982 in Galveston, Texas. He co-hosts “Restoring Galveston” with his wife Ashley, renovating historic homes on Galveston Island through their company Save 1900.
Early Life and Education
Michael Cordray was born in 1982 in Galveston, Texas, to parents Emil and Helen Cordray. Growing up on the island, Michael developed a deep connection to Galveston’s rich history and architectural heritage. This early exposure to the city’s unique charm would later play a significant role in shaping his career path.
Texas A&M University
Michael’s academic journey led him to Texas A&M University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration. He graduated in 2006, equipped with knowledge that would prove valuable in his future endeavors. During his time at Texas A&M, Michael not only gained academic knowledge but also honed skills that would later contribute to his success in the home renovation industry.
Career Beginnings
After graduating from Texas A&M University, Michael began his professional career in the maritime industry. He worked at Kirby Inland Marine, where he gained valuable experience in the corporate world. However, his true passion for restoring historic homes was yet to be realized.
Meeting Ashley
It was during his time at Kirby Inland Marine that Michael met his future wife and business partner, Ashley. Ashley, who graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston in 2009, shared Michael’s love for Galveston and its architectural heritage. Their shared interests and complementary skills would soon lead them to embark on a life-changing journey together.
The Birth of Save 1900
In 2015, Michael and Ashley made a bold decision that would alter the course of their lives. They left their corporate jobs to pursue their passion for home renovation full-time. This leap of faith led to the establishment of their renovation company, Save 1900.
Company Mission
The name “Save 1900” is a nod to the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane, which remains the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history. The company’s mission is to preserve and restore homes that survived this catastrophic event and other subsequent storms. By doing so, Michael and Ashley aim to maintain Galveston’s unique architectural character and historical significance.
First Renovation Project
The couple’s first renovation project was a labor of love. They purchased a single house, intending to restore it to its former glory. This initial project served as a testing ground for their skills and vision, setting the stage for their future endeavors.
Restoring Galveston
Michael and Ashley’s dedication to preserving Galveston’s architectural heritage caught the attention of television producers. In 2019, they were offered the opportunity to star in their own reality TV show, initially titled “Big Texas Fix.”
Show Concept
The show, later renamed “Restoring Galveston,” follows Michael and Ashley as they purchase, renovate, and sell historic homes on Galveston Island. Each episode showcases a different property, taking viewers through the entire renovation process from acquisition to completion.
Success and Impact
“Restoring Galveston” has been a hit with audiences, currently airing its seventh season on the Magnolia Network. The show has not only brought attention to Galveston’s rich architectural history but has also inspired viewers to appreciate and preserve historic homes in their own communities.
Renovation Philosophy and Techniques
Michael and Ashley’s approach to home renovation is characterized by a deep respect for the original architecture combined with modern design sensibilities. Their goal is to breathe new life into neglected properties while maintaining their historic charm.
Balancing Old and New
One of the key challenges Michael faces in his renovations is striking the right balance between preserving historical elements and incorporating modern amenities. He often retains original features such as hardwood floors, ornate moldings, and vintage fixtures while updating essential systems like plumbing and electrical to meet current standards.
Attention to Detail
Michael’s renovation work is known for its meticulous attention to detail. He often researches the history of each property to ensure that his renovations are historically accurate and respectful of the home’s original design. This commitment to authenticity sets his work apart and contributes to the preservation of Galveston’s architectural heritage.
Business Growth and Expansion
As their reputation has grown, so too has the scope of Michael and Ashley’s business. What started as a passion project renovating a single home has evolved into a successful company that purchases, renovates, and sells multiple properties.
Airbnb and Rentals
In addition to renovating and selling homes, Michael and Ashley have expanded their business model to include short-term rentals. They convert some of their renovated properties into Airbnb rentals, allowing visitors to Galveston to experience living in a piece of restored history.
Community Impact
The success of Save 1900 and “Restoring Galveston” has had a positive impact on the local community. By saving homes from demolition and restoring them to their former glory, Michael and Ashley are helping to preserve Galveston’s unique character and boost local property values.
Personal Life
While Michael’s professional life is well-documented on “Restoring Galveston,” he also maintains a fulfilling personal life alongside his career.
Family
Michael is married to his business partner and co-star, Ashley Cordray. The couple tied the knot on April 4, 2014, after meeting while working at Kirby Inland Marine. They are proud parents to three daughters, balancing their family life with their demanding renovation and television careers.
Hobbies and Interests
Outside of his work in home renovation, Michael maintains a keen interest in Galveston’s history and architecture. He often spends time researching the background of the properties he renovates, deepening his understanding of the island’s rich past.
Skills and Expertise
Michael’s success in home renovation and television is underpinned by a diverse set of skills and areas of expertise.
Construction and Renovation
Through hands-on experience and learning from his father, who owned rental properties in Galveston, Michael has developed a strong foundation in construction and renovation techniques. His skills range from structural work to finish carpentry, allowing him to tackle a wide variety of renovation challenges.
Project Management
Managing complex renovation projects requires excellent organizational and leadership skills. Michael has honed his ability to coordinate multiple aspects of a renovation, from budgeting and scheduling to managing contractors and sourcing materials.
Historical Preservation
Michael’s passion for preserving Galveston’s architectural heritage has led him to develop expertise in historical preservation techniques. He is knowledgeable about period-appropriate materials and methods, ensuring that his renovations are both functional and historically accurate.
Television Production
Through his experience on “Restoring Galveston,” Michael has gained valuable skills in television production. He has learned to balance the demands of creating engaging content with the practical aspects of home renovation, a unique skill set that sets him apart in both industries.
Challenges and Obstacles
While Michael’s career has been marked by success, it has not been without its challenges. Renovating historic homes presents unique obstacles that require creativity and perseverance to overcome.
Structural Issues
Many of the homes Michael renovates have stood for over a century and have endured numerous hurricanes and tropical storms. As a result, they often have significant structural issues that need to be addressed before cosmetic renovations can begin. These can include foundation problems, water damage, and wood rot.
Balancing Budget and Quality
One of the ongoing challenges Michael faces is balancing the desire for high-quality renovations with the constraints of a budget. Historic homes often require specialized materials and skilled craftsmen, which can be costly. Michael must constantly make decisions about where to invest resources to achieve the best possible outcome within budget limitations.
Navigating Regulations
Renovating historic homes in Galveston often involves navigating complex regulations and obtaining various permits. Michael must work closely with local authorities to ensure that his renovations comply with building codes while also meeting historical preservation standards.
Time Constraints
The demands of producing a television show add an extra layer of complexity to Michael’s renovation projects. He must balance the need for thorough, quality work with the production schedule of “Restoring Galveston,” often working under tight deadlines.
Impact on Galveston
Michael’s work through Save 1900 and “Restoring Galveston” has had a significant impact on the city of Galveston and its architectural landscape.
Preservation of Historic Homes
By focusing on renovating homes that might otherwise face demolition, Michael is playing a crucial role in preserving Galveston’s architectural heritage. Many of the homes he renovates date back to the late 19th or early 20th century and represent important examples of architectural styles from that period.
Raising Awareness
Through “Restoring Galveston,” Michael has helped raise awareness about the importance of historic preservation. The show has brought national attention to Galveston’s unique architectural character and the challenges faced in maintaining it.
Economic Impact
Michael’s renovation projects have contributed to the local economy in several ways. They provide work for local contractors and craftsmen, increase property values in the neighborhoods where they occur, and attract tourists interested in historic architecture.
Inspiring Others
Perhaps one of the most significant impacts of Michael’s work is the inspiration it provides to others. Homeowners in Galveston and beyond have been motivated by “Restoring Galveston” to take on their own renovation projects, contributing to a broader movement of historic preservation.
Future Plans and Aspirations
As Michael continues to grow his business and expand his influence in the world of historic home renovation, he has several plans and aspirations for the future.
Expanding Save 1900
While Save 1900 has already achieved significant success, Michael aims to expand the company’s reach and impact. This could involve taking on larger projects, renovating commercial properties, or expanding to other historic areas beyond Galveston.
Educational Initiatives
Given his extensive knowledge of historic renovation techniques, Michael has expressed interest in developing educational programs. These could range from workshops for homeowners interested in DIY renovation to more formal training programs for aspiring preservationists.
Advocacy for Historic Preservation
Michael plans to use his platform to advocate for policies that support historic preservation. This could involve working with local and state governments to develop incentives for homeowners who undertake historic renovations or lobbying for stronger protections for historic properties.
Sustainable Renovation Practices
Looking to the future, Michael is interested in exploring ways to make historic renovations more environmentally sustainable. This could involve incorporating green building techniques and materials into his projects while still maintaining historical accuracy.
