Former locations of Moody National Bank boast rich history
The buildings lining Galveston’s historic streets boast rich and fascinating pasts, all of which deserve to be preserved and made known. One of the most notable stories is that Moody National Bank and the buildings in which the financial institution got its start.
Colonel William L. Moody, a prominent financier and entrepreneur who had moved to the island from Virginia in the mid-1800s, formed the bank at the original location on The Strand in the large, red brick W.L. Moody Building, designed by architect Nicholas Clayton in 1883. The building collapsed in the infamous 1900 Storm; Clayton oversaw the post-storm rebuild.
Two decades later, in 1920, the bank moved to Market Street, and it was renamed City National Bank Building.
“The banking interests of the family had grown significantly, and the bank needed its own presence,” said Jami Durham, a historian with the Galveston Historical Foundation. “The Moody bank was later joined by the Kempner financial institution and the Sealy family as well. The Chicago architects Weary & Alford designed this new Neoclassicalstyle building.”
Then, in 1962, the bank was renamed the Moody National Bank and moved to a new headquarters, situated on Post Office Street.
“The bank changed its name to represent the principal owners and investors, and the 1960s bank building reflects the change in banking and financial interests that demanded larger lobbies and more office space for diverse financial programs. The building is more reflective of downtown bank buildings of the postwar era,” said Dwayne Jones, the Galveston Historical Foundation’s executive director.
The latest building was designed by Houston architect Goldmon & Rolfe with John A. Greeson, and additions in 1969 were completed by Goldmon & Rolfe with Tibor Beerman and Ben J. Kotin.
New life for old buildings
Today, the original W.L. Moody Building is being converted into a retail and residential space, and the City National Bank, the second home of the bank, is being rehabilitated for housing.
Jones said preserving and honoring both the historic sites and those who founded them is a significant responsibility.
“The Moody family served as major leaders in finance, insurance, and other industries in Galveston and beyond. These buildings are part of their long and rich history that should be preserved for the future,” Jones said.
To learn more about Galveston’s history, call 409-765-7834 or visit www.galvestonhistory.org.