Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) recently accepted one of Galveston Island’s most significant downtown buildings. The 1920 City National Bank Building, owned by Ross Moody, a trustee of The Moody Foundation and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of National Western Life Group, was donated to GHF in June. Located in the Central Business District at 2219 Market, the City National Bank building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1984) and recognized as one of the city’s most important early 20th century buildings.

“The history and architecture of City National Bank make it one of Galveston’s most distinctive and well-known downtown properties,” states Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director. “GHF is excited about working with this great historic building to bring new life and creative uses to Market Street. We take the stewardship of Galveston’s historic buildings and places very seriously and are creating new ways to experience our fascinating island history all the time.”

In 1907, William L. Moody Jr. founded City National Bank and two years later, purchased the Levy Building, on the corner of Market and 23rd. That location housed banking operations until a new “fire-proof” building, designed by Chicago architects Weary & Alford, opened next door on August 12, 1920. The Moody banking operations were conducted at this location until 1962 and then relocated to the Moody National Bank Building at 2302 Postoffice.

William L. Moody Jr. died in 1954 having become a highly respected financier and leader of the multi-million-dollar Moody Enterprises. After his death, his daughter, Mary Moody Northen, assumed leadership of the family’s business empire. In 1972, she donated the building to Galveston County to use as a museum until it was returned to Mary Moody Northen Endowment after Hurricane Ike in 2008. Ross Moody acquired the building several years ago and chose to donate the building to GHF for stewardship.

“One of the defining traits of Galveston is its rich architectural history. City National Bank, built by my great-grandfather, is part of that tradition,” said Ross Moody. “I’m proud to gift the building to Galveston Historical Foundation and hope it continues to bring pride and enjoyment to the Galveston community.”

GHF owns or manages more than twenty historic buildings and maritime resources in Galveston including the Ashton Villa (1859), Tall Ship ELISSA (1877), Gresham House (Bishop’s Palace)(1892), GH&H Railroad Depot (1904), and more. Galveston Historical Foundation (GHF) recently accepted one of Galveston Island’s most significant downtown buildings. The 1920 City National Bank Building, owned by Ross Moody, a trustee of The Moody Foundation and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of National Western Life Group, was donated to GHF in June. Located in the Central Business District at 2219 Market, the City National Bank building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1984) and recognized as one of the city’s most important early 20th century buildings.

“The history and architecture of City National Bank make it one of Galveston’s most distinctive and well-known downtown properties,” states Dwayne Jones, Galveston Historical Foundation’s Executive Director. “GHF is excited about working with this great historic building to bring new life and creative uses to Market Street. We take the stewardship of Galveston’s historic buildings and places very seriously and are creating new ways to experience our fascinating island history all the time.”

In 1907, William L. Moody Jr. founded City National Bank and two years later, purchased the Levy Building, on the corner of Market and 23rd. That location housed banking operations until a new “fire-proof” building, designed by Chicago architects Weary & Alford, opened next door on August 12, 1920. The Moody banking operations were conducted at this location until 1962 and then relocated to the Moody National Bank Building at 2302 Postoffice.

William L. Moody Jr. died in 1954 having become a highly respected financier and leader of the multi-million-dollar Moody Enterprises. After his death, his daughter, Mary Moody Northen, assumed leadership of the family’s business empire. In 1972, she donated the building to Galveston County to use as a museum until it was returned to Mary Moody Northen Endowment after Hurricane Ike in 2008. Ross Moody acquired the building several years ago and chose to donate the building to GHF for stewardship.

“One of the defining traits of Galveston is its rich architectural history. City National Bank, built by my great-grandfather, is part of that tradition,” said Ross Moody. “I’m proud to gift the building to Galveston Historical Foundation and hope it continues to bring pride and enjoyment to the Galveston community.”

GHF owns or manages more than twenty historic buildings and maritime resources in Galveston including the Ashton Villa (1859), Tall Ship ELISSA (1877), Gresham House (Bishop’s Palace)(1892), GH&H Railroad Depot (1904), and more.