The story of Ashley Cordray is one of passion, preservation, and profound impact on architectural heritage.

As the star of “Restoring Galveston” and co-founder of Save 1900, she’s transformed from a Texas native into one of America’s most influential home preservation experts.

This comprehensive guide explores every facet of Ashley’s life, career, and lasting impact on historic restoration.

Quick Bio and Essential Statistics

Ashley Cordray’s journey from her roots in Spring, Texas, to becoming a nationally recognized preservation expert exemplifies dedication and vision.

Born on February 21, 1987, she’s built an impressive career alongside her husband Michael Cordray, establishing themselves as leading figures in historic home restoration.

Category	Details	Additional Information
Full Name	Ashley Cordray	née Youngblood
Date of Birth	February 21, 1987	Currently 37 (2024)
Height	5 feet 6 inches (167 cm)	–
Weight	130 lbs (59 kg)	Maintains slim build
Eye/Hair Color	Brown	Natural color
Net Worth	$1 million – $5 million	As of 2024
Primary Occupation	TV Host, Preservationist	Multiple revenue streams
Business	Co-owner, Save 1900	Founded with Michael Cordray

Early Life & Background: Foundations of a Preservationist

Growing up in Spring, Texas, Ashley’s early years were shaped by strong family values and creative inspiration.

Born to Cindy and Charles Youngblood, she shared her childhood with sister Angela Falcon in an environment that fostered creativity and appreciation for craftsmanship. The Youngblood family’s support would prove instrumental in Ashley’s future success.

During her formative years, Ashley showed an uncanny ability to see potential in spaces others might overlook.

Her parents recall how she would constantly rearrange her bedroom, sketch house plans, and show intense interest in architectural details during family trips. This natural inclination toward design and restoration would later become her professional hallmark.

Education and Early Career Development

Ashley’s academic journey reinforced her growing passion for preservation. While studying, she developed a deep appreciation for architectural history, particularly focusing on the unique challenges of coastal restoration. This specialized knowledge would prove invaluable in her future work in Galveston, Texas.

Her early professional experiences included:

Working with local designers Apprenticing with restoration specialists Studying historical architecture Learning traditional construction techniques

Professional Journey: From Vision to Reality

The transformation from aspiring preservationist to television personality began when Ashley met Michael Cordray. Their 2014 marriage marked the beginning of both a personal and professional partnership that would revolutionize historic preservation in Galveston.

The Birth of “Restoring Galveston”

Originally aired on DIY Network before moving to Magnolia Network, “Restoring Galveston” captured audiences‘ imagination by showcasing the Cordrays‘ unique approach to preservation.

The show’s success stems from their ability to maintain historical integrity while creating functional modern living spaces.

Save 1900: A Mission Beyond Television

The establishment of Save 1900 represented a crucial expansion of the Cordrays‘ preservation mission. This organization, focusing on preserving Galveston’s architectural heritage, has become a model for historic preservation nationwide. Their work includes:

Comprehensive property research Period-appropriate restoration techniques Community education initiatives Preservation advocacy

Notable Projects and Achievements

Throughout their career, the Cordrays have tackled increasingly challenging restoration projects. Each property presents unique challenges, from structural issues to historical accuracy requirements. Some notable restorations include:

The 1912 Merchants Building, The Victorian Lady (circa 1890), The Hurricane House (1886), The Coastal Colonel (1891)

Personal Life: Family, Balance, and Growth

Ashley’s personal life reflects the same dedication and attention to detail evident in her professional work. Her marriage to Michael Cordray in 2014 created a partnership that extends beyond business. Together, they’ve built both a family and a preservation empire.

The Cordray Children

The couple has welcomed three children:

Elle Cordray (born November 25, 2019), Emma Cordray (born May 24, 2021), Emory James Cordray (born March 18, 2023)

Family Life and Work-Life Integration

The Cordrays have masterfully integrated their family life with their preservation work. Their children often appear on job sites, learning about historic preservation firsthand.

This unique upbringing ensures the next generation understands the value of architectural heritage while creating precious family memories among the historic homes of Galveston.

Public Recognition and Industry Impact

Professional Accolades

Ashley’s contributions to historic preservation have earned significant recognition within the industry. Her awards include:

• Best Home Renovator (2020) – Television Awards For outstanding contribution to architectural preservation through media
• Top Interior Designer (2019) – Design Excellence Awards Recognition of innovative approaches to historic interior restoration
• Innovative Designer Award (2021) – Creative Design Awards Celebrating unique solutions in historic property renovation

Media Presence and Public Influence

Ashley’s influence extends far beyond television. Her social media presence has become a valuable resource for preservation enthusiasts and homeowners alike.

With over 100,000 Instagram followers, 50,000 Twitter followers, and 80,000 Facebook followers, she regularly shares preservation tips, behind-the-scenes insights, and renovation progress updates.

Renovation Philosophy and Techniques

Ashley’s approach to historic preservation combines respect for original architecture with practical modern living solutions. Her signature restoration philosophy includes:

Historical Research and Documentation

Every project begins with extensive research into the property’s history, including:

Original architectural plans Historical photographs Building permits Previous ownership records Period-specific construction techniques

Sustainable Preservation Practices

The Cordrays pioneered several sustainable preservation techniques that have become industry standards:

Historic material recycling programs Energy-efficient upgrades that maintain historical integrity Water conservation systems appropriate for period homes Climate-responsive restoration techniques specific to Galveston’s coastal environment

Business Ventures and Entrepreneurship

Save 1900’s Growth and Impact

Under Ashley’s co-leadership, Save 1900 has expanded beyond individual home restoration to become a comprehensive preservation organization. Their initiatives now include:

Educational Programs

The organization regularly hosts workshops on:

Traditional construction techniques Period-appropriate maintenance Historical research methods Sustainable preservation practices

Community Impact

The Cordrays‘ work has significantly influenced Galveston’s architectural landscape. Their efforts have:

Increased property values in historic districts Created jobs in specialized restoration trades Attracted preservation tourism Inspired other communities to prioritize historic preservation.

Future Endeavors and Vision

Upcoming Projects

Ashley’s vision for the future includes several exciting initiatives:

The launch of a new home renovation series focusing on sustainable preservation Publication of a comprehensive guide to coastal home restoration Development of an online platform for preservation education.

Long-term Goals

Looking ahead, Ashley has ambitious plans for expanding her impact on historic preservation:

Educational Institution

Plans are underway for a design school specializing in historic preservation, featuring:

Hands-on restoration training Historical research methodology Sustainable preservation techniques Business aspects of restoration projects.

Retail Ventures

The development of home décor stores will focus on:

Period-appropriate fixtures and materials Sustainable renovation supplies Custom reproduction pieces Preservation-friendly modern amenities.

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Expert Insights and Industry Perspective

Ashley frequently shares her expertise at industry conferences and in professional publications. Her insights on preservation challenges and solutions have helped shape modern approaches to historic restoration, particularly in coastal environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was Elle Cordray born?

Elle Cordray was born on November 25, 2019, the first of three children for Ashley and Michael Cordray.

How many kids do the Cordrays have?

The Cordrays have three children: Elle (born 2019), Emma (born 2021), and Emory James (born 2023).

When did the Cordrays get married?

Ashley and Michael Cordray married in 2014, beginning both their personal and professional partnership.

How did the Cordrays meet?

The couple met through their shared passion for historic preservation in Galveston, Texas, where they both worked on restoration projects.

What is Save 1900?

Save 1900 is the Cordrays’ preservation organization, dedicated to restoring and preserving historic properties in Galveston, with a focus on homes built before and shortly after the 1900 hurricane.

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Legacy and Continuing Impact

Ashley Cordray’s influence on historic preservation extends beyond individual projects. Her work has helped establish new standards for restoration, particularly in challenging coastal environments. Through television, social media, and hands-on preservation work, she continues to inspire a new generation of preservationists while protecting America’s architectural heritage.

Conclusion

Ashley Cordray’s journey from passionate preservationist to influential television personality and business owner demonstrates the impact one person can have on preserving historical architecture. Her combination of technical expertise, creative vision, and commitment to education continues to shape the field of historic preservation. As she expands her influence through new projects and ventures, Ashley’s legacy in architectural preservation grows, ensuring that future generations will benefit from her dedication to preserving America’s architectural heritage.

Through her work on “Restoring Galveston,” her leadership at Save 1900, and her various educational initiatives, Ashley Cordray has created a blueprint for successful historic preservation that balances authenticity with modern functionality. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring preservationists and a testament to the importance of protecting our architectural heritage.