Michael Cordray is a highly successful American real estate developer, historic preservationist, and television personality best known for starring in Magnolia Network’s hit series Restoring Galveston.
Alongside his wife, Ashley Cordray, Michael has captured the hearts of home renovation fans by rescuing and beautifully restoring neglected, historic coastal properties on Galveston Island, Texas. Through their business, Save 1900, the couple has transformed falling-down local treasures into stunning coastal escapes, proving that preservation is both a viable business and a deep community calling.
Michael Cordray Profile Summary
| Profile Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Cordray |
| Profession | Real Estate Developer, TV Host, Preservationist |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Starring in Restoring Galveston on Magnolia Network |
| Business Name | Save 1900 |
| Education | Texas A&M University at Galveston |
| Height | Approximately $5\text{‘ }11\text{”}$ |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Ashley Cordray |
| Children | Three Daughters |
| Years Active | 2011–Present |
Who Is Michael Cordray?
Michael Cordray is a home restoration expert who has turned his love for historical architecture into a prominent career in television and real estate.
He is celebrated for:
- Historic Preservation: Saving and rehabilitating endangered late 19th and early 20th-century homes in Texas.
- On-Screen Chemistry: Co-hosting Restoring Galveston with his wife, showing an authentic, hardworking partnership.
- Save 1900 Realty: Operating a specialized local construction and real estate brokerage.
- Galveston Heritage: Championing the unique stories, resilience, and coastal style of Galveston Island.
As his television presence grows, fans frequently seek out details about his background, marriage, business ventures, and daily life in Texas.
Early Life and Roots in Galveston
Michael Cordray has deep roots in Galveston County, Texas. He is proudly known as a “B.O.I.” (Born On the Island), a local term reserved for individuals born directly on Galveston Island.
His family’s history on the island spans over 150 years. In fact, his great-grand-uncle once owned the original historical Cordray Drug Store, a community staple that Michael and his wife later purchased and restored as an homage to his family legacy.
Growing up near the Gulf Coast, Michael developed an early awareness of the fragile nature of historic coastal properties. The severe impact of coastal storms, including the devastating Hurricane Ike in 2008, deeply influenced his desire to protect and restore the island’s architectural history rather than seeing it demolished.
Michael attended Texas A&M University at Galveston, where he graduated with a degree in Maritime Administration—a specialized business program focused on the maritime industry.
Career Journey: From Shipping to Renovation
The Corporate Start
After graduating from college, Michael took a corporate position in the maritime industry, working at Kirby Inland Marine. It was during this time that he met his future wife and business partner, Ashley.
While Michael had some practical construction experience from helping his father maintain rental properties on the island, home renovation was not yet his full-time career.
Founding “Save 1900”
The couple’s shared journey into real estate began spontaneously in 2011, when they purchased a severely dilapidated house in Galveston for $55,000. Despite the challenging manual labor, the experience sparked a deep passion for restoring classic homes.
In 2015, Ashley successfully encouraged Michael to leave his stable corporate position to commit to their home renovation and preservation company, Save 1900, full-time. They focused on rescuing homes slated for demolition, restoring original features like natural wood finishes and historic railings, and bringing them back to life.
Rise to Television Fame
The couple’s hands-on preservation efforts and natural on-camera chemistry quickly caught the attention of television producers.
Television Milestones:
- The Pilot (2017): They filmed a successful pilot titled Saving Galveston for HGTV.
- DIY Network Debut: The show was greenlit under the name Big Texas Fix on the DIY Network.
- Magnolia Network Transition: The series was subsequently redubbed Restoring Galveston, joining Chip and Joanna Gaines’ highly respected Magnolia Network.
- Continuing Success: The show has run for several successful seasons, gaining a dedicated international following of home design enthusiasts.
Fans and critics appreciate the show because it emphasizes practical preservation, structural integrity, and local history over cosmetic house-flipping.
Personal Life: Marriage and Family
Married Life with Ashley Cordray
Michael is married to his business partner and co-star, Ashley Cordray. The couple met through their mutual studies and early careers, began dating in 2011, and officially married in 2014.
Their relationship is built on a shared professional hustle, with Michael overseeing the construction logistics and structural challenges, while Ashley leads the design and aesthetics.
Growing Family
Michael and Ashley are the proud parents of three daughters. Their family life heavily influences their design choices, and they often discuss the importance of keeping their renovations family-friendly, durable, and grounded in community values.
Height and Appearance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height | Approximately $5\text{‘ }11\text{”}$ |
| Hair Color | Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Profession | Builder, TV Host, Real Estate Developer |
| Nationality | American |
Michael maintains a down-to-earth, ruggedly professional appearance, often seen on camera in practical construction gear, representing his hands-on role in his build sites.
Estimated Net Worth and Income
While exact financial details remain private, Michael Cordray has built a successful multi-million dollar business portfolio.
His income is generated through several key channels:
- Real Estate Brokerage: Save 1900 Realty operates as a highly active, specialized real estate brokerage in Galveston.
- Construction and Restoration: Managing custom renovations, commercial properties, and historical home builds.
- Television Salaries: Earnings from multiple successful seasons of Restoring Galveston on Magnolia Network.
- Local Businesses: Ventures such as the revived Cordray’s Drug Store, which blends local history with a modern storefront.
Interesting Facts About Michael Cordray
- A Real Born-On-Island Local: Michael’s deep-running ancestry gives him an authentic connection to Galveston’s historical preservation.
- First Home Cost Only $55,000: The couple’s massive real estate empire started with a small, highly challenging fixer-upper.
- Texas A&M Alumnus: Both Michael and Ashley are proud graduates of Texas A&M University at Galveston.
- A True Family Legacy: Rebuilding the historic corner store building was a direct tribute to his family’s island roots.
- Magnolia Network Family: Michael has spoken highly of working under Chip and Joanna Gaines’ creative network, noting their genuine support for preservationists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Michael Cordray is an American builder, historic preservationist, and TV host known for starring in Magnolia Network’s Restoring Galveston.
Yes, Michael is married to Ashley Cordray, who is his co-star and business partner at Save 1900.
Michael lives and works on Galveston Island, Texas, where he focuses his historic home restoration efforts.
His real estate and home preservation business is called Save 1900 (including Save 1900 Realty, LLC).
Michael and his wife Ashley have three daughters.
Conclusion
Michael Cordray has successfully transformed his personal appreciation for historical architecture into a celebrated television and real estate career. By prioritizing structural preservation, local heritage, and honest teamwork, he and Ashley have built a lasting legacy on Galveston Island. As Restoring Galveston continues to inspire viewers, Michael remains a leading figure in modern historic preservation.
Hi, I’m Ghufran Haadi, the creator of Info Celeb. I love writing about celebrities, net worth, lifestyle, and trending entertainment stories. My goal is to keep you updated with simple, interesting, and informative celeb content every day.
