Born and raised in Galveston, Texas, Michael Cordray did not stumble into restoration work, he grew up surrounded by century-old homes that most people had already given up on. That early connection to place never left him. Today, as the co-host of Restoring Galveston on Magnolia Network, he brings those forgotten houses back to life, one beam, one brick, and one story at a time.
What makes Michael different is not the tools he uses or the budgets he works with. It is the reason he shows up. While most renovation shows chase drama and quick flips, Michael is quietly fighting to preserve a city’s soul. His company, Save 1900, is named after the deadliest hurricane in American history, a fitting tribute to everything Galveston has already survived and rebuilt.
In 2026, Michael Cordray is more than a television personality. He is a husband, a father of three, a preservation advocate, and proof that when you build a career around something you genuinely believe in, the work speaks louder than any spotlight ever could.
Michael Cordray Bio
Here is a quick look at Michael Cordray’s key personal and professional details:
| Full Name | Michael Cordray |
| Date of Birth | March 18, 1982 |
| Age (2026) | 44 years old |
| Next Birthday | March 18, 2027 |
| Next Birthday Age | 45 years old |
| Birthplace | Galveston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Education | Texas A&M University at Galveston (BS Maritime Administration, 2006) |
| Profession | TV Host, Home Restoration Expert, Real Estate Investor |
| Known For | Restoring Galveston (Magnolia Network) |
| Company | Save 1900 |
| Wife | Ashley Cordray (married April 4, 2014) |
| Children | Three daughters: Elle Lane, Emma, Emory James |
| Net Worth (2026) | $1 million – $3 million (estimated) |
| Father | Emil Cordray (passed away August 22, 2007) |
| Mother | Helen Cordray |
| Height | 5 feet 11 inches |
Who Is Michael Cordray?
Michael Cordray is a home restoration expert, real estate investor, and television personality from Galveston, Texas. He is best known for rescuing historic homes that most people would simply tear down. His work is not about quick flips, it is about saving community history, one house at a time.
He co-founded Save 1900, a restoration company dedicated to bringing century-old homes back to life. Alongside his wife Ashley, he turned this passion project into a nationally recognized TV show on Magnolia Network. By 2026, Michael Cordray is widely recognized as one of the most authentic renovation personalities on television today.
Michael Cordray Wikipedia
There is no official Michael Cordray Wikipedia page as of 2026. However, his work is well-documented across major entertainment and biography websites. He is frequently listed alongside other notable Magnolia Network stars, and his company Save 1900 has been referenced in preservation discussions across Texas.
Fans searching for a Michael Cordray Wikipedia entry will find detailed profiles on sites like Factsformation, OriginalProfiles, and PopNewsFlash. His television presence and preservation work continue to generate growing online interest.
What Is Michael Cordray’s Real Age?
Michael Cordray was born on March 18, 1982, in Galveston, Texas. As of 2026, he is 44 years old, and his next birthday will be on March 18, 2027, when he will turn 45.
Over four decades, Michael has built a life and career deeply connected to one city. His age reflects not just years lived, but experience earned through hands-on work, business risk, and community commitment.
What Is Michael Cordray’s Zodiac Sign?
Michael Cordray’s zodiac sign is Pisces (February 19 – March 20). Pisces individuals are often known for their creativity, empathy, and deep emotional connection to their work, all qualities that clearly show up in Michael’s approach to home restoration and community building.
What Is Michael Cordray’s Net Worth in 2026?
As of 2026, Michael Cordray’s estimated net worth is between $1 million and $3 million. Multiple sources, including Famous People Today, confirm a figure around $3 million, while others report a range in the low seven figures. The variation reflects the private nature of his finances and the multi-stream nature of his income.
His wealth comes from several sources:
• Restoring Galveston salary from Magnolia Network per episode
• Save 1900 revenue from home restoration, design consulting, and property sales
• The Mansard House a boutique hotel bought and restored in December 2022
• Cordray Drug Store an ice cream shop opened in Galveston in 2022
• Real estate holdings properties sold or rented after restoration
Michael’s financial growth has been steady, not sudden. He built wealth through purpose-driven work rather than celebrity shortcuts.
What Is Michael Cordray’s Net Worth in (2024-2025)?
Here is a year-by-year look at Michael Cordray’s estimated financial growth:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth | Key Driver |
| 2022 | $500K – $1M | Save 1900 growth + TV salary |
| 2023 | $1M – $1.5M | Real estate sales + Magnolia Network |
| 2024 | $1.5M – $2M | Boutique hotel, ice cream shop |
| 2025 | $2M – $2.5M | Expanded renovation contracts |
| 2026 | $1M – $3M | Multiple income streams combined |
In 2024 and 2025, his income expanded thanks to the Mansard House boutique hotel operations, continued Save 1900 projects, and the popularity of Restoring Galveston reruns and streaming on Discovery+. His financial position in 2025 was likely between $2 million and $2.5 million before reaching the 2026 range.
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Early Life and Roots in Galveston
Michael Cordray was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, a coastal city known for its rich Victorian architecture and deep historical roots. Growing up surrounded by century-old homes shaped how he saw buildings, not as structures, but as stories waiting to be told.
His father, Emil Cordray, owned rental houses in Galveston, which gave Michael an early look into property ownership and maintenance. Sadly, Emil passed away on August 22, 2007, before Michael’s television career began. His mother, Helen Cordray, attended Ball High School and later worked at Valero Energy. She was born in 1946 and remains connected to the Galveston community.
Michael’s grandparents were Thomas J. Cordray Jr. and Mary Dusek Cordray, both now deceased. Despite speculation about his ethnicity due to Galveston’s diverse Hispanic population, Michael is Caucasian and holds American nationality.
Education and Early Direction
Michael Cordray attended Texas A&M University at Galveston, the same institution his future wife Ashley would later attend. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Maritime Administration and graduated in 2006.
At the time, his degree pointed toward a career in the maritime industry, not home renovation. But his time in Galveston deepened his connection to the island’s character and buildings. After graduating, he joined Kirby Inland Marine, one of the largest tank barge operators in the United States, where he worked in a corporate role.
Nothing in his formal education directly led to restoration work. But what it gave him discipline, project management thinking, and a love for Galveston proved to be exactly what he needed.
From Real Estate Risk to Purpose
While working his corporate job at Kirby Inland Marine, Michael and Ashley began renovating a single home as a personal project. It was not a business plan, it was a shared love for old houses and a curiosity about what they could become.
Their first flip was a rundown property listed at just $55,000. The experience taught them how to tackle structural problems, water damage, and historic code challenges that most people avoid. In 2015, Ashley convinced Michael to leave his stable corporate job and go all-in on renovation. It was a real financial risk, but it proved to be the right decision.
In 2016, Michael officially resigned from Kirby Inland Marine and committed fully to building the restoration business. This decision changed everything.
The Birth of Save 1900
Save 1900 was the natural result of Michael and Ashley’s shared mission. The company’s name is a reference to the Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900, the deadliest natural disaster in United States history, which destroyed thousands of homes across the island.
The company’s goal is simple but powerful: preserve homes built around the year 1900 while giving them modern functionality and keeping their original soul. Save 1900 takes on properties that others have written off condemned structures, flood-damaged houses, and buildings on the edge of demolition.
What Save 1900 does:
• Purchases severely distressed Victorian and historic homes
• Restores original architectural details while adding modern systems
• Tackles water damage, foundation issues, and coastal property challenges
• Converts some properties into income-generating assets like hotels or rentals
• Works on community landmarks, not just private residences
The Mansard House, a historic 1912 boarding house turned boutique hotel, is one of Save 1900’s most ambitious and successful projects to date.
Restoring Galveston and Television Breakthrough
In 2019, Michael and Ashley’s work caught the attention of a national television network. Their show debuted on HGTV’s sister channel, DIY Network, under the name Big Texas Fix. After season one, it was renamed Restoring Galveston and moved to Magnolia Network, the platform co-owned by Chip and Joanna Gaines.
The show follows the Cordrays as they take on major restoration projects in Galveston. Each episode documents the full journey: buying the property, planning the restoration, facing unexpected challenges, and revealing the finished result. The format is honest, emotional, and deeply rooted in the community.
Restoring Galveston holds a 4.7 average rating on IMDb. It has aired multiple seasons and is also available on Discovery+. The show has earned several preservation awards, including the GHF Sally B Wallace Historic Preservation Award in both 2016 and 2017, and the Galveston Landmark Commission Preservation Award in 2018.
On Screen Dynamic with Ashley Cordray
One of the most praised elements of Restoring Galveston is the chemistry between Michael and Ashley. Their on-screen relationship works because it is real. Viewers see the trust, the teamwork, and even the honest disagreements that come with running a business with your spouse.
Michael brings calm, steady energy and construction expertise. Ashley brings creative vision and expressive storytelling. Together, they create a balance that feels genuine, a big reason why audiences across the country connect with the show on a personal level.
Major Projects and Defining Moments
Over the years, Michael Cordray has taken on some of the most challenging restoration projects in Galveston. Here are the key highlights:
• First house flip a $55,000 rundown property that started it all
• Gustave Mayhoff Cottage their personal family home, renovated over two years starting in 2020
• The Mansard House a historic 1912 boarding house converted into a boutique hotel (purchased December 2022)
• Historic hot dog stand restoration showcasing that preservation extends beyond homes to community landmarks
• Multiple Victorian home restorations across Galveston’s historic neighborhoods
Each project added depth to Michael’s reputation as someone who chooses meaning over convenience every time.
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Personal Life and Family
Michael Cordray met Ashley while they were both working at Kirby Inland Marine. They started dating in 2011 and got married on April 4, 2014. Their relationship has always been both personal and professional, a partnership built on shared values and a shared city.
The couple has three daughters:
• Elle Lane Cordray born November 25, 2019 (8 lbs 6 oz, 21 inches at birth)
• Emma Cordray born May 24, 2021 (9 lbs 5 oz, 21.25 inches at birth)
• Emory James Cordray born March 18, 2023 (on Michael’s own birthday)
The family lives in Galveston, staying close to the community they work to preserve. Michael is described by those who know him as private, grounded, and deeply family-oriented. His daughters occasionally appear on social media and have made small cameos during filming.
Net Worth and Financial Growth
Michael Cordray’s financial journey is a story of steady, purposeful growth. He never chased overnight fame or quick money. Instead, he built multiple income streams around what he genuinely cared about.
His primary income sources include:
• Magnolia Network TV salary from Restoring Galveston
• Save 1900 renovation projects, property sales, and rentals
• The Mansard House boutique hotel (revenue from hospitality)
• Cordray Drug Store ice cream shop at 3827 Ave L, Galveston, TX
• Real estate holdings and appreciation of restored properties
Estimated annual earnings from his TV and renovation work range between $47,000 and $120,000 per year on the lower end, with property sales adding significantly more in strong years. As of 2026, his total estimated net worth is $1 million to $3 million.
Business Interests and Investments
Michael Cordray’s investments are intentional and community-focused. He does not chase unrelated business ventures or speculative deals. Every investment ties back to Galveston and historic preservation.
His main business interests include:
• Save 1900 the core restoration and design company he co-runs with Ashley
• The Mansard House boutique hotel generating ongoing hospitality revenue
• Cordray Drug Store a local ice cream shop adding to Galveston’s community fabric
• Real estate portfolio restored properties either sold, rented, or retained as long-term assets
His approach is narrow and purposeful. For Michael, the best investment has always been Galveston itself.
Public Image and Cultural Impact
Michael Cordray has become a quiet symbol of what authentic renovation looks like. In a world of flashy house-flipping shows, his work stands out for its emotional depth and cultural responsibility. Viewers appreciate that he is not renovating for profit alone, he is preserving history.
His cultural impact can be seen across Galveston’s neighborhoods, where restored Victorian homes now stand as reminders of what was almost lost. Beyond the screen, he has influenced how communities think about historic preservation, especially in coastal cities vulnerable to demolition pressure.
Michael is widely respected as honest, ethical, and genuinely committed to his work. This public image has remained consistent across multiple seasons of television, which is rare in the reality TV world.
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Challenges and Controversies
Michael Cordray’s career has not been without difficulty. Restoring historic homes comes with hidden costs, structural surprises, and timeline overruns that can strain finances and relationships. Every project carries real financial risk especially when dealing with century-old foundations, water-damaged walls, and coastal building code requirements.
As the show grew in popularity, expectations from viewers and networks also increased. Managing a growing business, a young family, and a television production schedule simultaneously is a demanding challenge that few couples handle successfully.
There are no major verified controversies tied to Michael Cordray as of 2026. His reputation has remained strong, and his focus on transparency and quality workmanship has protected his public image from the kind of criticism that affects many reality television personalities.
Conclusion
Michael Cordray’s story is not about fame. It is about purpose. He was born in Galveston, built his education and career there, and chose to dedicate his professional life to the city’s survival and beauty. From a $55,000 fixer-upper to a Magnolia Network television show, from a boutique hotel to a local ice cream shop everything Michael Cordray does is rooted in community.
By 2026, his net worth sits between $1 million and $3 million, his family has grown to include three daughters, and his restoration work continues to shape Galveston’s identity. He is proof that a career built on passion and patience can lead somewhere meaningful and last.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Michael Cordray?
Michael Cordray is a home restoration expert and TV personality from Galveston, Texas, best known for co-hosting Restoring Galveston on Magnolia Network alongside his wife Ashley Cordray.
How Old Is Michael Cordray?
Michael Cordray was born on March 18, 1982, making him 44 years old as of 2026. He celebrates his birthday on the same date his youngest daughter Emory James was born.
Is There a Michael Cordray Wikipedia Page?
There is no official Wikipedia page for Michael Cordray as of 2026, but detailed biographical profiles are available on multiple entertainment and biography websites.
What Is Michael Cordray’s Net Worth?
Michael Cordray’s net worth is estimated between $1 million and $3 million in 2026, built through renovation projects, TV income, real estate, and his hospitality businesses.
What Is Michael Cordray’s Ethnicity?
Michael Cordray is Caucasian and holds American nationality. Despite living in Galveston, which has a significant Hispanic population, he is not Hispanic.
Who Are Ashley and Michael Cordray?
Ashley and Michael Cordray are a married couple, business partners, and co-hosts of Restoring Galveston. They co-founded Save 1900 and have three daughters together, raising their family in Galveston.
Why Is Michael Cordray Famous in Galveston?
Michael Cordray is famous in Galveston for his work saving historic homes through Save 1900, restoring Victorian properties that would otherwise be demolished, and bringing national attention to the island’s architectural heritage.
When Is Michael Cordray’s Birthday?
Michael Cordray’s birthday is March 18, 1982. His youngest daughter Emory James was born on the same date in 2023, making it a doubly celebrated day for the Cordray family.
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