Michael Cordray is a famous home restorer. He hosts the TV show Restoring Galveston with his wife Ashley. They save old homes in Galveston, Texas. He is not just a TV star. He is a real estate expert and a craftsman. He loves history. He does not flip houses for a quick buck. He restores them with great care. His calm personality and hard work have made him popular with viewers.
Early Life and Family Background
Michael was born and raised in Galveston, Texas. He grew up around old houses. These homes shaped his love for preservation. His father, Emil Cordray, owned rental houses. Michael helped his father with repairs. This gave him useful building skills. His family goes back five generations in Galveston. He is deeply connected to the city.
Education
He went to Texas A&M University in Galveston. He earned a degree in Maritime Administration in 2006. He did not study design or building. But his hands-on experience taught him everything he needed to know.
Quick Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Cordray |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1982 |
| Birthplace | Galveston, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Texas A&M University |
| Spouse | Ashley Cordray |
| Children | Three daughters |
Michael Cordray Age and Personal Details
Michael was born on March 18, 1982. He is 44 years old as of 2026. He is about 5 feet 11 inches tall. He has dark brown eyes and dark hair. He is fit and active. His work involves a lot of physical labor. He is known for being grounded and family-oriented.
Michael Cordray Career
Michael’s career did not start in TV or renovations. He worked hard to get where he is today.
Early Career
After college, he worked in the maritime and shipping industry. These jobs taught him about budgets, deadlines, and project management. But his true passion was always old houses and real estate.
From Real Estate Risk to Purpose
He started buying damaged homes in Galveston. Other investors did not want them. They had water damage, bad foundations, and years of neglect. He fixed them himself. It was not easy. In 2008, Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. It damaged many historic homes. This tragedy made Michael want to save Galveston’s history even more.
Founding Save 1900
In 2015, Michael and Ashley started their company, Save 1900. The name honors the terrible 1900 Galveston hurricane. Many homes survived that storm but were now being lost. The company buys old homes, restores them, and sells them.
At first, they worked on houses only on weekends. Ashley encouraged Michael to quit his job and focus on restoration full-time. He finally agreed. Soon after, a production company reached out about making a TV show.
Restoring Galveston
Michael’s TV journey began with a show called Big Texas Fix. It later became Restoring Galveston on a popular TV network. The show follows Michael and Ashley as they restore historic homes. Each episode features a different property on the edge of ruin.
The show is honest and real. Budgets are tight. Timelines are stressful. Michael is calm and handles the building work. Ashley focuses on design and staging. Together, they make a great team. The show first aired in 2019.
Other Television Appearances
- Big Texas Fix – The original show that started in 2019
- Restoring Galveston – The main series that started in 2020
- Restoring Galveston: The Inn – A special series about turning an old boarding house into a hotel
- Other special appearances on TV
Save 1900
Save 1900 is the restoration company Michael and Ashley started in 2015. It is the heart of their work. The company is based in Galveston, Texas.
Mission of Save 1900
The mission is to save Galveston’s architectural history. The company buys historic homes that are at risk of being torn down. They restore these homes while keeping their original charm. The goal is not just to make money. It is to save the spirit of each building.
Michael and Ashley keep old features like windows, doors, woodwork, and fireplaces. They update the electrical, plumbing, and heating systems to make the homes safe and comfortable. They mix old charm with new convenience.
Notable Restoration Projects
- The Kettle House – A unique landmark in Galveston
- The Mansard House – A 1912 boarding house turned into a hotel
- The Cordray Drug Store – A historic commercial building
- A 1922 filling station – Turned into a hot dog shop
- An 1887 Victorian home – The Cordrays’ own house
Michael Cordray Wife and Family
Michael is married to Ashley Cordray. They met while working in the maritime industry. Ashley is from Spring, Texas. She convinced Michael to buy a house in Galveston just two months into their relationship. That choice changed their lives.
They got married on April 4, 2014. They are partners in life and in work. Their on-screen chemistry is a big reason people love their show. Michael is calm and steady. Ashley is creative and full of energy.
Children and Family Life
Michael and Ashley have three daughters. Their names are Elle, Emma, and Emory. Elle was born in November 2019. Emma was born in May 2021. Emory was born in March 2023. She shares her birthday with her father.
The family lives in Galveston. Michael is a private person. He puts his family above fame and money.
Michael Cordray Net Worth
Michael’s net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million to $3 million. His money comes from television contracts, restoration projects, and real estate sales and rentals.
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Not Verified |
| 2022 | $1 million to $5 million |
| 2023n | Not public |
| 2024 | $1.5 million and $3 million |
| 2025 | $1 million to $1.5 million |
| 2026 | $1.5 million to $3 million |
His wealth has grown slowly but steadily. He built his success through hard work, not quick fame.
Where Does Michael Cordray Live?
Michael lives in Galveston, Texas. He and his family restored their own 1887 Victorian house. The home shows their restoration style. It mixes old beauty with modern comfort.
Michael’s ties to Galveston are very strong. He was born there. His family has been there for generations. He is committed to saving the city’s historic buildings. His work, his home, and his family are all rooted in this coastal community.
Conclusion
He has built a wonderful career from his love of old homes. He started with hard work and a clear purpose. Today, he is a respected TV host, a smart businessman, and a loving father. His work with Save 1900 has saved many historic houses from being torn down. Michael Cordray show has inspired people to care about history and preservation. Michael proves that following your passion can lead to lasting success.
FAQs
What is Michael Cordray famous for?
He is best known for co-hosting the TV show Restoring Galveston.
How old is Michael Cordray?
He was born on March 18, 1982. He is 44 years old in 2026.
Who is Michael Cordray married to?
He is married to Ashley Cordray.
Does Michael Cordray have children?
Yes, he has three daughters named Elle, Emma, and Emory.
Where does Michael Cordray live?
He lives in Galveston, Texas.
What is Save 1900?
It is a restoration company that Michael and Ashley started to save historic homes.
What is Michael Cordray net worth?
His net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million to $3 million dollars.
