Who Is Ashley Cordray? Meet the Restoring Galveston Star
Explore Ashley Cordray’s Life, Family, and Restoration Career
Ashley Cordray is an American home renovator, business owner, and television personality best known for Restoring Galveston. Alongside her husband, Michael Cordray, she brings neglected Texas properties back to life through their restoration business, Save 1900.
Her career began with an old house and a willingness to learn. Before television cameras followed their projects, Ashley and Michael balanced regular jobs with renovations. Their work eventually expanded into a show, a boutique hotel, and several Galveston businesses.
Profile Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ashley Cordray |
| Nationality | American |
| Hometown | Spring, Texas |
| Education | Texas A&M University at Galveston |
| Field of study | Maritime administration |
| Profession | Home renovator, entrepreneur, and television personality |
| Best known for | Restoring Galveston |
| Husband | Michael Cordray |
| Wedding date | April 4, 2014 |
| Restoration business | Save 1900 |
| Main business location | Galveston, Texas |
Ashley’s Background and Education
Ashley grew up in Spring, Texas, before her education brought her to Galveston. After attending a Houston-area community college, she enrolled at Texas A&M University at Galveston.
She initially pursued marine biology but changed her focus to maritime administration, a business-oriented subject connected to the maritime industry. Her education led to employment at Kirby Inland Marine.
College also introduced Ashley to the island where she would later build her career. She enjoyed Galveston’s community, historic streets, and older houses. Buildings from earlier generations caught her attention long before restoring them became her profession.
Her route into renovation therefore developed gradually, through an attachment to a place and opportunities she encountered after college.
Meeting Michael Cordray and Starting a Family
Ashley met Michael Cordray while they were working at Kirby Inland Marine. Michael was born in Galveston and already had family connections to the island.
They began dating in 2011. Within the early months of their relationship, Ashley suggested buying a house there. Michael initially thought she meant sometime in the future, but she had already found a property she wanted to visit.
Their first purchase needed serious attention. They tried staying in the house but left after one night and stayed with Michael’s mother instead. Renovating it became their first major shared project.
Ashley and Michael married on April 4, 2014. Ashley later described their 7 a.m. wedding and an 8 a.m. breakfast reception at Waffle House in a personal post.
Parenthood became another part of their life together. Public family announcements have introduced daughters Elle, Emma, and Emory James. Emory was born on March 18, 2023, sharing her birthday with Michael.
Building Save 1900 Together
Ashley Cordray and her husband developed Save 1900 around rescuing neglected historic properties. In the beginning, they worked on houses alongside their regular employment, which limited how quickly projects could move.
Eventually, they committed to renovation full-time.
The business name refers to Galveston’s devastating 1900 hurricane. Some buildings they have worked on survived that storm and later hurricanes, only to face demolition after years of deterioration.
Their interest extends beyond large, elaborate homes. Small cottages and former commercial buildings also have a place in their work.
Ashley has explained that their early budgets required them to handle many jobs themselves. They learned practical skills because hiring people for every task was beyond their means.
That experience shaped their approach. Even as their team grew, they understood the work involved and the decisions that could make a difficult project succeed.
Becoming Known Through Restoring Galveston
Television producers approached Ashley and Michael while their restoration business was still relatively small. Their projects, working relationship, and willingness to tackle difficult houses attracted attention.
Their television journey included Saving Galveston and Big Texas Fix before the series became Restoring Galveston.
Filming brought a demanding schedule. The couple moved from completing projects gradually to managing several houses within a tight production period.
For viewers, the attraction goes beyond the finished rooms. The show follows the choices and problems involved in restoring older properties, from preserving architectural details to finding suitable replacement materials.
Ashley Cordray’s role reflects the hands-on business she helped build. She participates in the renovation process while working through plans and practical challenges with Michael.
Their approach allows each house to influence the result. Original features and layouts help guide decisions, giving different properties their own character.
The Mansard House and Other Businesses
One of the couple’s biggest projects became the subject of Restoring Galveston: The Inn. They transformed a 1912 boarding house into The Mansard House, a boutique hotel.
Completed in 2023, the restoration converted the former 25-room building into a 12-room hotel. The project combined historic surroundings with modern accommodation.
Their other ventures also give older buildings new uses.
Cordray Drug Store is a rolled ice cream shop in a restored 1920s corner store. Its name honors Michael’s family connection to the original pharmacy.
The Artisan occupies a former woodworking mill built in 1908. Ashley and Michael transformed it into an event venue while retaining features such as exposed beams and brickwork.
Local Dogs brings casual dining to a restored 1922 filling station. Together, these businesses extend their work into places where residents and visitors can eat, stay, and gather.
Final Thoughts
Ashley Cordray built her public career through the restoration business she shares with Michael. Her journey connects maritime work, an early renovation purchase, television, and local entrepreneurship. Across those changes, historic Galveston buildings have remained central to her work.
FAQs
Who is Ashley Cordray?
Ashley Cordray is a home renovator, entrepreneur, and television personality best known for Restoring Galveston.
Who is Ashley Cordray’s husband?
Her husband is Michael Cordray, her restoration business partner and television co-host.
When did Ashley and Michael Cordray get married?
They married on April 4, 2014, with an early-morning ceremony followed by breakfast at Waffle House.
Where is Ashley Cordray from?
Ashley is originally from Spring, Texas. Her education later brought her to Galveston.
Where did Ashley Cordray attend college?
She attended Texas A&M University at Galveston and studied maritime administration after initially pursuing marine biology.
What is Ashley Cordray’s company called?
She and Michael operate Save 1900, a business focused on restoring neglected historic properties.
What hotel do Ashley and Michael Cordray operate?
Their boutique hotel is The Mansard House, created from a restored 1912 Galveston boarding house.
What other businesses are associated with Ashley Cordray?
Her shared ventures with Michael include Cordray Drug Store, The Artisan event venue, and Local Dogs.
