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A Magical Island Kingdom ™ |
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San Jacinto Self-Guided Tour Jump to the start of the Tour San Jacinto
 The Marcus McLemore House (1869-70) As the neighborhood with the longest frontage on the Gulf of Mexico, San Jacinto was also the heart of the development on the beach, and Galveston’s tourist industry. This area, that we call Beach Central, was located where 25th Street met the Gulf, so it straddled the boundary between two neighborhoods; San Jacinto and Kempner Park. Beach Central Self-Guided Tour When the 1900 Storm devastated Galveston, San Jacinto took the worst hit! It is estimated that the land area of this neighborhood extended about four blocks further south, than it currently does, because that much of it was reclaimed by the Gulf, during The Storm. The houses, and other structures, nearest the beach suffered more complete destruction than in any other neighborhood! As this debris was piled up, and pushed inland, it formed a natural breakwater, or seawall that eventually saved the rest of the city from more complete destruction. A large percentage of the 6,000 people that died that day lived in San Jacinto. On 13 November 1885, a fire started at an ironworks at 17th Street and The Strand (Avenue B). It quickly spread through the East End residential area, and then it moved south of Broadway (Avenue J), where it destroyed 20 city blocks between 17th and 21st Streets. Most of these properties were rebuilt within a year, which gave them a new architectural consistency, and prominence. The area that burned, and was then rebuilt, forms the most contiguous area of prime real estate within San Jacinto, and it is now the heart of the Lost Bayou Historic District.  Engine House #5 (1891); 1614 Avenue K The San Jacinto neighborhood forms the shape of a triangle between 23rd Street, Broadway (Avenue J) and Seawall Boulevard. The Lost Bayou Historic District has its boundaries at 16th and 21st Streets, and Avenues K and M 1/2. Beach Central runs from 25th Street to 20th Street along the Seawall. Introduction to
the Tour
Architectural Styles and Designs Galveston builders and architects rarely designed a house or commercial building so that it conformed to the rules and guidelines of any one, of the many Victorian architectural styles, choosing instead to combine the elements of several styles, or to build rather plain and simple designs, from a plan book, and then merely enhance their look with Victorian decoration. This has lead some writers to classify Galveston architecture primarily by type, defined by the floor plan and shape, or to combine many styles together. For example, Howard Barnstone (The Galveston That Was), sees Greek Revival as the dominant style in 19th Century Galveston, so he considers all of the later Victorian styles together as "Romantic". This seems to have lead to the convention of calling hundreds of houses, that employ 4-6 inch diameter spindle-like columns, on the front, as "Galveston Vernacular"; implying that, in Galveston, columns of this size and style are accepted as Greek Revival. However, for our purposes, we will ONLY consider houses with columns of Doric, Ionic or Tuscan design, and those greater than 12 inches in diameter, as evidence that the house should be categorized as Greek Revival. Perhaps a better classification, for many of these houses, without the previously described Greek Revival column size and style, is Folk Victorian; which is the name given to the architectural style of simple square or rectangular houses which have been decorated with Victorian architectural add-ons, that suggest the fancier styles of those times. As the years have passed, since the 19th Century, a great deal of this architectural decoration has been lost on the houses, and commercial buildings in Galveston, due to decay, and damage from storms, so it is often difficult to tell what some of these houses used to look like in their full finery! Out Buildings In Victorian times, most of the houses, on this tour, had one or more out buildings, that ranged from simple outhouses or privys, to detached kitchens, to carriage houses. In more recent years, most of these outbuildings became unnecessary, so they have been removed, or attached to the main house, which creates a very different look, to the neighborhood, than when it was built. When the outbuildings were still here, the sense of tight spacing between all the buildings was even more dramatic! Historic Districts The premier historic districts within Galveston's neighborhoods start to come together with a single city block. Without at least one "ideal" historic block, there is nothing with which to build an historic district. City blocks consist of seven lots on each side of the street, so the ideal historic block contains fourteen 19th-Century houses, unless one or more of the houses occupy more than one lot. Galveston's long, narrow lots create a densely-packed urban environment, so anything that breaks that spacial layout tends to spoil the effect. Some of the factors that further enhance such an ideal block are: well-maintained houses, manicured landscaping, and a canopy of live oak trees. Obviously, poorly-maintained houses, and overgrown landscaping detract from the formation of an ideal historic block, as do empty lots, poorly-conceived additions to, and badly-executed re-modeling of, Victorian houses, and the inclusion of 20th-Century architectural styles. Galveston's premier historic districts are simply areas where several ideal historic city blocks exist in a contiguous arrangement. We begin the tour of the San Jacinto neighborhood in such an area. This part of the tour lends itself to be most easily undertaken on foot, in order that each building, on the route, may be closely examined and considered. For those who do not want to walk, using either a bicycle, or vehicle, is a reasonable alternative. The last part of the tour will cover other highlights, in the neighborhood, that are more spread out, and best accomplished using a vehicle. Terms There are a few basic architectural terms that should be defined to make the tour more understandable and enjoyable. Since Galveston is built on a large sandbar, builders could not dig basements, under houses, as can be done in most other locations. Due to storm surges, during hurricanes, nearly all the houses, in the City, sit on piers that lift them off the ground to some extent. The standard height is now about 2-3 feet. Of course, due to the Grade Raising, after the 1900 Storm, many houses are raised less than they were originally. When a house is built 5-8 feet off the ground, it is defined as a "raised" dwelling. In such a case, the area under the house is known as a "basement", when it is enclosed in some manner. Galveston basements may have dirt floors, and simple board walls, when just used for storage, but some are eventually finished to the point that they become additional living space. What are known as "porches", in many areas of the country, are also called "verandas" and "galleries" in Galveston. For most purposes, the three terms can be used interchangeably, but gallery is the most common term when there are two: one on both the first floor and second floor, and they are covered. Porch is most commonly used when there is only one on the first floor. A "bay" is the division of a wall by similar vertical elements; usually doors and windows. The term bay is normally reserved for use when describing 19th-Century buildings. A "bumpout" is a section of a house that "bumps out" from the main structure, for added space, and architectural diversity, and expression. For more information on architectural styles, and terms, see our Architecture page. Each house listed will include at least three pieces of information about it:
Architectural styles, and building types are often NOT obvious or clear cut, so we will use our best judgment. Raised houses with "living area in the basement" will be denoted as LAB. If the house has a plaque designating it as a 1900 Storm Survivor, it will be noted as "SS". If the house has a plaque indicating that it has been on the Historic Homes Tour, it will be noted as "HHT". Begin the Tour
Park your car near 21st Street and Avenue K and BEGIN: 21st Street and
Avenue K
20th Street and Avenue K  1928 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Southern Townhouse with one story addition  1927
Avenue K (Avenue K School) 1886 Romanesque School building (Demolished) Compare this N.J. Clayton design, that formerly occupied this location, to the playground, and the present San Jacinto School! It fit into the tight spacing of that day, occupying 3 city lots; right to the sidewalk lines on two sides.  1922 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 5 bay side-gabled Cottage with Eastlake spindles and gingerbread  1916 Avenue K 1886 Folk Victorian 2 story 5 bay center-hall plan set on 3 lots which creates unusually wide side yards Featuring bay windows on the right, on the 1st & 2nd floors; 2 bumpouts; double verandas; a tin sofit beneath the eaves; an iron fence; and a carriage house. It was a grand house for a doctor, it's now a rooming house with additions.  1912
and 1910 Avenue K19th C Folk Victorian Southern Townhouse with an addition that appears to have been re-configured into a duplex with separate front entrances SS  1015,
1017, 1019 and 1021 19th Street (4-plex)20th C Brutalism Low flat-roofed rectangular plan This type of structure is totally out of place in this neighborhood. 19th Street and
Avenue K
Notice the
difference in the streetscape without the open spaces caused
by the school and playground in the last two blocks. 1828 Avenue K 1900 Italianate Raised 2 story plan with side entrance; front dormer; double front and side porches  1102 19th Street 19th C Folk Victorian 2 story hipped-roof plan with front pediment  1826 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian 2 story L-Front plan with front pediment The L-Front design is formed when a bay projects forward, with a porch alongside the bay, forming an L-shaped front. Most are one story.  1823 Avenue K 19th C ? Folk Victorian ? 2 story plan with recessed entrance  1824 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 2 story L-Front plan with double porch, extra side entrance, and bumpouts on both sides  1817 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian 2 story 5 bay side-gabled plan  1814 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 3 bay front-gabled Cottage SS; HHT  1815 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised 5 bay side-gabled Cottage  1810
Avenue K1882 Folk Victorian 2 story 5 bay side-gabled plan with multiple additions SS; HHT  1811 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 4 bay L-Front Cottage  1808 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Southern Townhouse with bumpout Historical plaque  1805
Avenue K19th C ? Folk Victorian ? Raised (LAB) L-Front Cottage? Looks like a 19th Century L-Front Cottage, re- modeled to an Arts & Crafts front  1802 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) L-Front Cottage  1803 Avenue K 20th C Arts & Crafts 1 1/2 story front-gabled Bungalow 18th Street and
Avenue K
 1728 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 4 bay L-Front Cottage Front stairs do not look original; modern siding and Aramco shutters cover much of the Victorian look  1724 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 1 1/2 story 4 bay side-gabled L-Front Cottage with large dormers, and multiple additions  1721 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian 2 story 3 bay complex plan with multiple additions, or attached outbuildings; but no porches or galleries This house is occupying 2 lots, with a swimming pool where a house at 1725 Avenue K used to be.  1720 Avenue K 1888 Folk Victorian Southern Townhouse with additions, bumpouts, and decorative lattice work on the porch  1717 Avenue K 1900 Folk Victorian Southern Townhouse SS: HHT Built in August 1900, and blown off its foundation in the September 1900 Storm.  1716
Avenue K1888 Folk Victorian converted to Greek Revival with the addition of larger columns Southern Townhouse with bumpouts SS Iron fence added after the Grade Raising.  1714
Avenue K1923 Arts and Crafts Long narrow Bungalow HHT, HHT Original owner bought the side of the lot from 1716 for this Bungalow.  1715 Avenue K 20th C Arts and Crafts Raised (LAB) front-gabled Bungalow  1704 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised 3 bay front- gabled Cottage that opens into a rear L wing set on 2 lots  1711 Avenue K 20th C Arts and Crafts Cottage with complex roof line Stick decoration under front gables. There could have been more Stick decoration that has been covered up.  1705 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised side-gabled outbuilding? The original house appears to be gone with one of the outbuildings, on the alley, serving as living quarters.  1702 Avenue K 20th C Arts and Crafts Front-gabled Bungalow Small arch over the front porch rather than a small gable.  1701 Avenue K 20th C Arts and Crafts Raised (LAB) front- gabled Bungalow 17th Street and
Avenue K
 1628 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised 2 story L-Front plan with added side stairway; probably to allow its use as a duplex  1102 17th Street 1875 Folk Victorian Raised 1 1/2 story 5 bay side-gabled Cottage  1624-1622 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian 2 story hipped-roof rectangular duplex  1623 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian 1 1/2 story 3 bay Cottage with steep hipped roof and front gable  1620 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Cottage  1619
Avenue K20th C Arts & Crafts Side-gabled Bungalow with additions in the back Tar-paper siding makes other features difficult to see  1614 Avenue K (Engine House #5) 1891 Italianate 2 story 3 bay stucco-faced brick firehouse Fits well into the residential area due to its siting on the sidewalk line.  1615 Avenue K 20th C Arts & Crafts 1 1/2 story side-gabled Bungalow with bumpout  1017 16th Street (Lasker Home for Homeless Children) 1869/1912 Greek Revival Raised 2 story orphanage with wrap around galleries; appears to be occupying 3 lots  1609 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 2 bay L-Front Cottage with bumpout and full-width pediment  1605 Avenue K (Demolished) 19th C Folk Victorian Cottage May have had a fire  1601 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised 3 bay side-gabled Cottage with attached garage 16th Street and
Avenue K
 1528 Avenue K 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 2 story plan with wrap around galleries and side entrance Turn right and head south on 16th Street, then turn right on Avenue L. 16th Street and
Avenue L
 1602 Avenue L 1897 Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) L-Front Cottage with bumpouts; leaded glass in 2nd-floor front door  1601 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian 2-story 4 bay converted Corner Store?  1604 Avenue L 1897 Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) L-Front Cottage with bumpouts; leaded glass in 2nd-floor front door  1606 Avenue L 1897 Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) L-Front Cottage with bumpouts; leaded glass in 2nd-floor front door 1602, 1604, 1606 are sister houses; 1604 & 1606 appear to be sharing one lot.  1607 Avenue L 1896 Greek Revival 2 1/2 story 3 bay side- gabled double galleried plan Lost Bayou B&B  1608 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Southern Townhouse Extensive remodeling, with stone front, changes the entire original 19th C look  1609 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 3 bay side-gabled Cottage  1616 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised L-Front Cottage with 2nd-story addition New supports on front porch give it an Arts & Crafts look  1615 Avenue L 20th C ???? Flat-roofed rectangular plan  1618 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised Shotgun  1620 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised Shotgun 1618 & 1620 appear to be sharing one lot.  1617 Avenue L 20th C ???? Raised (LAB) cross- gabled Cottage  1622 Avenue L 19th C Greek Revival Raised 1 1/2 story side- gabled Cottage with bumpout and double staircase  1623 Avenue L Empty lot  1628 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian 2-story 3 bay Corner Store with added 1 1/2 story wing  1202 17th Street 20th C Arts & Crafts Raised (LAB) front- gabled Bungalow 17th Street and
Avenue L
 1704 Avenue L 20th C? ???? Raised (LAB) front- gabled plan  1706 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 1 1/2 story plan that extends very far back on the lot; currently a rooming house Nice cast iron fence.  1710 Avenue L 1888 Folk Victorian Raised 3 bay Cottage  1701 Avenue L 20th C ???? Side-gabled Cottage  1705 Avenue L 20th C American Foursquare 2-story plan  1707 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 2 bay hipped-roof Cottage  1709 Avenue L 20th C ???? Raised (LAB) front- gabled Cottage  1711 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian 2 story front-gabled Cottage Five houses: 1701, 1705, 1707, 1709 and 1711 appear to be sharing 3 lots.  1714 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian L-Front side-gabled Cottage Remodeled with brick porch roof supports to make it look more modern in the Arts & Crafts style. Nice cast iron fence.  1715 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised (LAB) 3 bay hipped-roof Cottage Nice cast iron fence  1720 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised L-Front hipped- roof Cottage  1719 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised L-Front Cottage  1722 Avenue L 21st C Under construction  1724 Avenue L 21st C Under construction 1722 and 1724 appear to be sharing one lot.  1721 Avenue L 20th C Arts & Crafts Raised front-gabled Bungalow  1728 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised bay-front plan  1723 Avenue L Empty Lot 18th Street and
Avenue L
 1211 18th Street 1891 Second Empire Greatly modified This house was originally located at 1801 Avenue L on 7-foot pilings, and with its 3-story tower, it dominated the area. It has been moved to its former back yard, where it lost the top story of the tower, its porch, and original siding and windows.  1802 Avenue L 20th C ? ???? Corner Store  1801 Avenue L 20th C ? ???? Corner Store Maya's Grocery & Food Products Brick corner stores are very unusual in Galveston.  1806 Avenue L 19th C Folk Victorian Raised 4 bay side-gabled L-shaped Cottage | |||||||||||||
