Logo for McNatt Contracting featuring a large stylized letter "M" inside a geometric diamond shape, with the company name "McNatt Contracting" in light tan text to the right. - McNatt Contracting

The Grand 1894 Opera House

2020 Postoffice St, Galveston, TX

The Grand 1894 Opera House

Millwork, HVAC, Window Restoration, Brick Restoration, Major Structural Repair, Termite Damage Repair

A close-up of a polished wooden reception desk with paneled detailing, set on a white tiled floor. A computer monitor and organizing trays are visible on the desk. A carpeted staircase and brick wall appear in the background. - McNatt Contracting A brochure advertising the 2024-25 season at the Grand 1894 Opera House is displayed on a wooden counter next to a computer monitor and keyboard. - McNatt Contracting A wooden reception desk with paneled sides and two computer monitors welcomes guests to the Grand 1894 Opera House. A book or brochure is displayed on the desk, set against a brick wall, bookshelf, and white tile floor with a black pattern. - McNatt Contracting A wooden reception desk with two computer monitors, promotional brochures, and wood paneling, situated on a tiled floor with a wooden door and shelves in the background. - McNatt Contracting A wooden reception desk with a computer monitor, brochures, and books on top, sits in a room with brick walls, glass partitions, and tiled flooring. Shelves with items are mounted behind the desk. - McNatt Contracting A section of wooden wall paneling with a geometric, rectangular pattern, finished in a brown stain, reminiscent of interiors at the Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston. The wall sits above a tiled floor with a black border and white mosaic tiles. - McNatt Contracting Close-up of a wooden counter and wall with decorative paneling. A glass window is set into the counter, and a brick wall is visible in the background. A small yellow rubber duck is on the window ledge. - McNatt Contracting A wooden ticket counter with a glass window and two round speaker openings. A pair of rubber duck figurines sit on the ledge inside. The background features a brick wall and a tiled floor. - McNatt Contracting A wooden ticket booth with glass window and two small round trays, set against a tan wall with a plaque, the number 2020 above it, and surrounded by white tile flooring and brick walls. - McNatt Contracting A wooden ticket booth with glass windows stands at the entrance of a building, hinting at the charm of Historic Theaters Galveston. The number 2020 and a circular plaque are displayed above it, while tiled flooring surrounds this inviting Opera House Galveston scene. - McNatt Contracting Bronze stars embedded in a speckled sidewalk lead up to a wooden building entrance with glass doors and a brick wall. Some stars contain engraved names, though the text is not clearly readable. - McNatt Contracting A large stone archway labeled “Opera House 1894” frames the entrance to Galveston's Grand 1894 Opera House. The floor features star-shaped tiles, and an antique ticket booth is positioned just inside the entrance. - McNatt Contracting

Restoration Goals and Challenges

Built out an interior box office desk out of recovered 1880s lumber. We were told we couldn't steam bend pine, but the entire structure was designed with curves and we were able to accomplish the style and design of the architect.

Key Highlights

All wood panel restoration and the custom box office desk were implemented to look as if it had always been there. We also built out other concession stands throughout the space.

Historical Significance

One of the last operating Victorian-era theaters in the U.S., with uninterrupted performances since 1894.

Impact

Very few visitors to The Grand 1894 Opera House are aware of the massive restoration efforts of this beautiful space that are not seen while sitting in the beautiful theatre. McNatt Contracting has performed highly skilled structural repairs to timber frame trusses holding up the original mansard roof over the stage, and a complete rebuild of entire brick wall systems.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to work on such a monumental project that is loved and cherished by so many members of our community and the State of Texas.” – John McNatt
White text on a light gray background reads “/FLÈUR” in all capital letters with an accent above the letter E. - McNatt Contracting

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