Property Description

Three-story Victorian brick building with cast-iron facade accents, Italianate rounded window hoods and double-leaf doors, was constructed in 1870.

Discover an unparalleled lifestyle in this exclusive, 5,259 sq. ft. private residence in the heart of Galveston’s historic Strand District. For the first time in three decades, this highly sought after 217 Tremont St. building, known as Whiteside Town Flats, is available. This is a MUST SEE TO BELIEVE residence. This property shares party walls with the iconic Tremont House hotel and is steps away from Galveston's best restaurants, boutiques, galleries, museums, live music, cruise terminal and year round festivals will greet you at the front door. This circa 1870 Victorian beauty provides privacy and is designed with three independent, full-floor living spaces. These areas are seamlessly connected by a stunning interior atrium, featuring vintage 12-foot windows and a grand iron staircase. Throughout are beautiful original exposed brick walls, soaring 13’ foot ceilings, and original wood floors. All HVAC systems replaced in 2025. With 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 3 full kitchens, a street level space for an office, personal gym or revenue generating retail, as well as a rare outdoor courtyard oasis. 217 Tremont has infinite use/income opportunities, such as private residence, short/long term rentals, condominium conversion, boutique hotel, special event venue, etc., or any combination of the above.

Property History

217 Tremont is one of the three brick buildings (213, 215 & 217) constructed by Rice, Baulard & Company in 1870. They were built to replace the firm’s earlier building lost in the Moro Castle Fire of December 1869. Rice, Baulard & Company was a major supplier of paints, oils, varnish, window glass, wallpaper, and window shades in the 1800's and operated in the 213 and 215 Tremont buildings.

The 217 Tremont building has had its own illustrious history, housing several businesses, including William M. Robinson’s book and stationery store in 1880 and 1881 and Sunny South Saloon, owned and operated by William Ritter in the same period.

Patrick H. Hennessey & Company, manufacturing agents, and Carl Schwartz, Jr.’s wholesale liquor, wine, and cigar businesses were the buildings next tenant.

The building’s long connection with printing and publishing began in 1886 when Confederate veteran William Andrew “Farmer Bill” Shaw (1846-1924) opened a print and stationers shop printing “Texas Farmers Weekly” newspaper every Wednesday.

By 1890, the address on Tremont took a brief respite from the printing business. Under the ownership of Joseph V. White’s harness and saddle shop, it sold carriages, hardware, and other equestrian goods.

Robert Clarke (1839-1923) opened for business in 1879 at 217 Tremont offering stationery supplies, blank books, and printing services.

In 1888 F. J. Finck & Co moved his business to 217 Tremont offering high-art stationery, Hartford typewriters, cash registers, Globe Wernicke bookcases, metal filing cabinets, and other office necessities. The businesses ownership changed in 1914 and operations continued until 1923.

In 1928, the Rummage Store used the location to sell railroad and steamship salvage and bankruptcy stock items.

Knapp Brothers re-established the printing tradition at this address starting in 1934. The family owned and operated at 217 Tremont longer than any other company in the building’s history. Knapp Printing was locally recognized for printing the “Union Review”, local club and church newsletters.

In 1972, Emily Whiteside, a pioneer of historic preservation in Galveston and executive director of the Galveston County Cultural Arts Council, purchased 217 Tremont and hired San Antonio architects Ford, Powell, and Carson to rehabilitate the property. It became the first privately restored building near The Strand.

In 1974 and 1975, the firm restored the exterior and adapted the interior to offer a two-bedroom, two bath full-floor flats on each level. A three-story atrium was added in the center of the building, with repurposed windows from a demolished building at the University of Texas installed to enhance natural light. Also a private garden was added at the rear of the property.

The building became known as the Whiteside Town Flats, and was featured on the local homes tour in 1975 and “Southern Living Magazine” in 1977 Houston Home and Garden the same year.