Landmark commission approves staff recommendation to advance landmark designation for 2116 Ursuline in Galveston

The Landmark Commission voted to approve staff's recommendation to advance a landmark designation for the property at 2116 Ursuline (Avenue N) in Galveston on March 2, 2026. The planning commission will hear the request on March 3, and the City Council has final decision scheduled for March 26.

Staff presented the application and materials for the property (identified in meeting materials as the Charles Howard "Human" House). A staff member described the building as exhibiting Greek Revival features typical of the 1825 60 period, including a hipped shingle roof supported by protruding brick columns, decorative cornices under the eaves and an original water cistern in the backyard. Staff said 34 public notices were mailed and none were returned, and staff recommended approval with standard conditions. "This concludes staff's report," the staff member said.

After the public hearing was opened, no applicant or members of the public spoke. A commissioner moved to approve the case "per staff's recommendation"; the motion was seconded and, after no discussion, the commission approved the motion by voice vote. The meeting record does not provide a roll-call tally.

If the planning commission and City Council act in accordance with the schedule given at the meeting, the designation would next be considered by the planning commission on March 3, 2026, followed by City Council review on March 26, 2026. The staff report noted the property lies in a historic district and may be eligible for financial incentives available to Galveston landmarks.

The commission also confirmed its next regular meeting for March 16 and added a discussion item about electrical wires in the Los Bio Historic District to the next agenda. The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:06 p.m.