Tax Credit Program Highlight: Ball Street Duplex

Galveston, Galveston County

1890

Designation	Listed in National Register as part of East End Historic District
Historic Use	Residential
Current Use	Rental residential
Total Rehabilitation Cost	$119,367
Qualified Rehabilitation Expenses	$108,584
Date Certified	March 7, 2017
	Also certified for Federal Rehabilitation Tax Credits.

History

Galveston was the largest and most prosperous city in Texas during its early statehood, and its historic areas retain the architectural heritage and grandeur of the era. The East End, in particular, is a sweeping and intact residential neighborhood with very little change since the 19th century, and contains an abundance of high-style residences in the Greek Revival, Queen Anne, and other Victorian styles. The East End is not only recognized as a National Register district, but also a National Historic Landmark district. There are only 48 National Historic Landmarks in Texas, which are considered to be of national significance. The duplex at 1807-1809 Ball Street and its neighbors are some of the more modest homes in the East End district, but feature similar Victorian details such as full-height spindled porches.

Rehabilitation Project

When the building was purchased by the current owner, it was being used as a single-family dwelling. However, architectural evidence showed that it was historically a duplex that had been converted into one unit. The owner opted to return the building to its former use as a duplex, which involved enclosing the interior staircase and creating an additional kitchen and bath. The two original matching front doors were discovered in the attic and reinstalled in the two historic entrance locations. Rehabilitation work also included new dual HVAC systems, and new plumbing and upgraded electrical for the property. The historic wood windows were carefully repaired and brought back to working order, while the original wood floors and staircase were refinished to bring back their former luster.