Historical Cultural Landmarks

GALVAN HOUSE - HERITAGE PARK
1581 NORTH CHAPARRAL

This house was built in 1908 by A.M. French. It was designed by his wife, Frances Garrett French, who wanted a home to accomodate both family and friends. French was an attorney, the founder of the First State Bank, and a surveyor for the construction of the Tex-Mex Railroad. He also founded and directed the first abstract title company in Corpus Christi. In 1942, Rafael Galvan purchased the house and it remained in his family until 1982. Galvan came to Corpus Christi in 1896, worked as a fisherman, and then became Corpus Christi’s first Mexican-American police officer. He also established the Galvan Ballroom and was a founding member of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). The Colonial Revival architecture is formal in appearance due to the classic Ionic columns on two levels. Beveled glass in the front doors and sidelights has 1½ inch bevels, much larger than usual. In 1982, the City purchased the house to serve as headquarters for the Multicultural Center and moved it to the present site in Heritage Park. The grounds surrounding the Multicultural Center include a replica carriage house, courtyard with gazebo and the Mary Elizabeth & Lee Lytton Memorial Rose Garden.

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