Hotel Galvez Being Renamed by New Owner

GALVESTON — (Realty News Report) – The historic Hotel Galvez has been renamed the “Grand Galvez Resort & Spa” by its new owner.

The 200-room hotel, which opened in 1911, is located across the street from the Gulf of Mexico shoreline along the Seawall Boulevard, near 20^thStreet.

Dallas Hotelier Mark Wyant, owner of Seawall Hospitality LLC, just closed on the purchase of the historic Hotel Galvez. The sellers are the heirs of Galveston Island-born oilman and developer George P. Mitchell.

Mr. Mitchell, who died in 2013 at the age of 93, redeveloped a significant number of historic buildings in Galveston, including properties in The Strand.

Mr. Mitchell also developed The Woodlands (28,000 acres) and invented fracking, an oil exploration technique also known as hydraulic fracturing.

100-Year-Old Hotel Faces Gulf of Mexico

“I know and respect that this property has a long and storied history. However, the new name, Grand Galvez Resort & Spa, will reflect the beautiful renovations and new energy I will bring to the resort and all its amenities,” said Mark Wyant, owner, Seawall Hospitality LLC.

“My primary goal is to embody the hotel’s beautiful architectural design while, at the same time, introduce an upgraded luxury and energy, which will attract even more guests to the Grand Galvez Resort & Spa and to Galveston,” Wyant continued.

With its unparalleled location, the iconic property will remain a landmark, complementing the history and beauty of Galveston Island. The Grand Galvez Resort & Spa will continue to be a desired destination for weddings, corporate meetings, business and leisure travelers. The renovations and additions will be elegant and unmatched in the area. Renderings are currently being finalized and will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

“My plans include renovations of the hotel rooms, common areas and hospitality settings as well as the addition of exciting entertainment venues, which will bring a new vitality to the Grand Galvez Resort & Spa,” said Wyant.

The hotel will be part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.

A native of Dallas, Texas, Wyant is an established hotel owner and developer in Texas, Florida, Louisiana and South Carolina. The purchase of the Hotel Galvez, now the Grand Galvez Resort & Spa, will mark the third property Wyant has developed in Galveston. In 1999, he built the Holiday Inn Express at 1st and Seawall and then sold it in 2005. In 2004, he developed the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort, where the noted Capt. Jack’s once stood. In 2014, he sold it and went on to create The Saint Hotel brand with award-winning properties in New Orleans, Key West and Charleston. He recently sold The Saint New Orleans and is finalizing construction on The Saint Hotel Charleston.

A history lover, Wyant strategically selects development properties that are in key United States cities known for their history and excellent leisure, business and entertainment experiences. In every historic location, his primary goal is to embody and respect the legacy, charm and history of the city.

The Mitchell organization announced in March it had also sold the historic Tremont House in Galveston’s Strand District. The Tremont was acquired by ospitality Asset Funding Group, a joint venture between SRH Hospitality, based in Addison, and JLM Financial Investments, based in Austin.

For more about Texas real estate, check out the book Houston 2020: America’s Boom Town – An Extreme Close Up by Ralph Bivins. Available on Amazon http://tiny.cc/4a2g6y

File: Hotel Galvez Being Renamed By New Owner

Image courtesy of Seawall Hospitality LLC