Kempner, Isaac H. and Henrietta, House

At the time of his death in 1894 Polish immigrant Harris Kempner, age 57, was a leading Galveston businessman with interests in banking, insurance, railroads, and cotton. Isaac Herbert Kempner, age 21 and the eldest of Harris Kempner's eight children, took over his father's many businesses. In 1902 Isaac married Henrietta Blum, daughter of a prominent Galveston businessman. Isaac Kempner became an important businessman in his own right and after the devastating storm of 1900 demonstrated exceptional civic leadership in his efforts to rebuild Galveston's entire infrastructure. From 1917 to 1919 he served as Galveston city mayor. In 1904 the Kempners purchased three lots here on Broadway, Galveston's most fashionable boulevard. This imposing two-story neoclassical style house was designed by local architect Charles W. Bulger and completed in 1906. The house features colossal Corinthian columns and extensive use of art glass in its windows and large single entry door with transom and sidelights. In 1924 additional lots became available on the west side and a two-story concrete and stucco wing designed by noted Houston architect John F. Staub was added. The house remained in the Kempner family until 1970. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1995

Kempner, Isaac H. and Henrietta, House is a historical marker in Galveston, Galveston County, dedicated in 1994. It is one of 283 historical markers documented in Galveston County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 373 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 29.3027, -94.7831 near Galveston. The nearest cataloged historic site is Hertford, John and Eliza, House (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include St. Paul United Methodist Church, Campbell House, and Carl and Hilda Biehl House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5167007505. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.