Michael Cordray net worth is estimated at $2 million to $3 million individually in 2026, with a combined household figure alongside his wife Ashley Cordray estimated at $3 million to $5 million. These are editorial estimates, not verified disclosures. The Magnolia Network star built his wealth through historic home restoration in Galveston, Texas, his company Save 1900, television earnings from Restoring Galveston (formerly Big Texas Fix), rental properties, and local hospitality businesses.
TL;DR: Michael Cordray is the Magnolia Network’s Restoring Galveston star who built his wealth restoring historic homes in Galveston, Texas through his company Save 1900. His individual net worth is estimated at $2–$3 million in 2026 ($3–$5M combined with wife Ashley) — editorial estimates, not verified disclosures.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Thomas Cordray |
| Age | 43–44 (born March 18, 1982; some sources cite 1984) |
| Birthplace | Galveston, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Restoration Contractor, Television Personality, Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Restoring Galveston (Magnolia Network); co-founder of Save 1900 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $2M–$3M individual; $3M–$5M combined with Ashley (estimates) |
| Marital Status | Married to Ashley Cordray (m. April 4, 2014) |
Michael Cordray Net Worth
Michael Cordray’s net worth sits in the low single-digit millions — modest by celebrity standards, but notable for someone whose business model prizes historic preservation over quick flips. Some outlets place his individual figure around $2 million; others report the combined $3–5 million household figure with his wife and business partner Ashley.
Why the range? TV personalities in the home-renovation space are inherently hard to value. Cordray’s wealth is tied up in illiquid assets — historic Galveston properties under restoration, equity in Save 1900, and local businesses like the Cordray Drug Store ice cream shop and the Mansard House hotel project. None carries a public valuation, so any figure is an informed approximation, not a confirmed total.
The financial overview is straightforward: television brings visibility and a steady paycheck, but the real wealth engine is real estate. The Cordrays buy distressed pre-1900 Galveston homes, restore them through Save 1900, and sell, rent, or convert them into hospitality ventures. That vertically integrated model — contractor, developer, TV personality, and business owner in one — separates Cordray from flippers relying on a single income stream.
Growth has been steady rather than explosive. Before television, the Cordrays were already restoring homes; DIY Network/Magnolia Network exposure (starting with Big Texas Fix) amplified their deal flow and brand, enabling expansion into commercial projects like the 1912 Mansard House hotel purchase in December 2022.
How Michael Cordray Makes Money
Television earnings. Cordray co-hosts Restoring Galveston on Magnolia Network (previously Big Texas Fix on DIY Network). Exact per-episode pay isn’t public, but established cable renovation hosts typically earn mid-five to low-six figures per season. Across multiple seasons, TV is meaningful but not dominant income.
Save 1900 restoration company. The core business: buying, restoring, and selling or holding historic Galveston properties. Revenue comes from renovation contracting, property-sale margins, and design fees. This is the primary wealth driver.
Real estate holdings and rentals. The Cordrays hold restored properties as rentals, producing recurring income. Galveston’s historic district commands premium rents, especially for short-term vacation rentals.
Hospitality businesses. In 2022 the couple opened the Cordray Drug Store ice cream shop at 3827 Ave L in Galveston and purchased the Mansard House (built 1912) as a hotel project — diversifying beyond construction cycles.
Brand and social media. The @save1900 Instagram account has over 600,000 followers, supporting sponsorships and partnerships, though this looks like a minor stream.
Early Life and Education
Michael Cordray was born and raised in Galveston, Texas — a lifelong connection to the city’s Victorian-era architecture. His father was Emil Cordray (deceased); his mother is Helen Cordray.
He attended Texas A&M University at Galveston, graduating in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in Maritime Administration. The business and management training transfers directly to running large restoration projects — budgeting, project management, and logistics all carry over from maritime administration to construction.
Career Journey
Pre-television years. After graduating in 2006, Cordray worked in real estate and began buying distressed historic Galveston homes. He founded Save 1900 with a clear mission: preserve the city’s pre-1900 housing stock rather than demolish it. The name references the devastating 1900 Galveston hurricane, after which much of the city’s surviving historic architecture dates.
2015–2019: Big Texas Fix. The Cordrays’ restoration work drew television producers, leading to Big Texas Fix on DIY Network, following the couple through some of Galveston’s most deteriorated historic properties.
2019–present: Restoring Galveston. The show moved to Magnolia Network (Chip and Joanna Gaines’ network) under the new title, reaching a wider audience. Multiple seasons have aired, establishing the Cordrays as preservation-focused TV personalities distinct from the flip-for-profit crowd.
2022 expansion. The couple bought the Mansard House hotel (built 1912) and opened the Cordray Drug Store ice cream shop, moving into hospitality.
Major Achievements
- Co-founded Save 1900, one of Texas’ most visible historic-preservation restoration companies
- Starred in multiple seasons of Big Texas Fix (DIY Network) and Restoring Galveston (Magnolia Network)
- Restored landmark Galveston properties including the Kettle House
- Built @save1900 into a 600,000+ follower social media brand centered on preservation
- Expanded into hospitality with the Mansard House hotel and Cordray Drug Store
Assets and Lifestyle
The Cordrays’ assets concentrate in Galveston real estate — restored historic homes, the Mansard House hotel property, and commercial space for the ice cream shop. Public records of specific property values are limited, and no reliable source has published a verified portfolio valuation, so figures shouldn’t be stated as fact.
Their lifestyle, as shown on TV and social media, centers on Galveston, where they live with their three daughters — a family-business image rather than a luxury one.
Personal Life
Michael Cordray married Ashley Cordray on April 4, 2014. They have three daughters: Elle (born November 2019), Emma (born May 2021), and Emory James (born March 18, 2023). Ashley is his full business partner in Save 1900 and his TV co-host. The family’s net worth is often reported as a combined figure given how intertwined their business interests are.
Interesting Facts
- Save 1900’s name honors Galveston’s pre-1900 architecture, much of which survived the catastrophic 1900 hurricane.
- Cordray’s Maritime Administration degree is unusual for a TV renovator and informs his project-management approach.
- The couple’s third daughter, Emory James, was born on Michael’s own birthday, March 18.
- Unlike many TV flippers, the Cordrays have publicly committed to preservation over demolition.
- The Kettle House is among their most recognized restoration projects.
FAQs
What is Michael Cordray’s net worth?
Michael Cordray’s net worth is estimated at $2–3 million individually, or $3–5 million combined with his wife Ashley, as of 2026. These are estimates, not verified figures.
How does Michael Cordray make money?
Through his restoration company Save 1900, hosting Restoring Galveston, Galveston real estate holdings and rentals, and hospitality businesses including an ice cream shop and hotel project.
What is Save 1900?
The historic home restoration company co-founded by Michael and Ashley Cordray, focused on preserving pre-1900 homes in Galveston, Texas.
Is Restoring Galveston still on TV?
Restoring Galveston airs on Magnolia Network; earlier seasons aired as Big Texas Fix on DIY Network. Check current listings for new-season status.
Where did Michael Cordray go to college?
He graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston in 2006 with a B.S. in Maritime Administration.
Who is Michael Cordray’s wife?
Ashley Cordray, his business partner in Save 1900 and co-host of Restoring Galveston. They married April 4, 2014.
How many kids do the Cordrays have?
Three daughters: Elle (b. 2019), Emma (b. 2021), and Emory James (b. 2023).
What is the Mansard House?
A 1912 hotel in Galveston purchased by the Cordrays in December 2022 as a restoration and hospitality project.
Where does Michael Cordray live?
Galveston, Texas, where he was born and where Save 1900 operates.
What network is Restoring Galveston on?
Magnolia Network (previously DIY Network as Big Texas Fix).
Sources & Verification
Net-worth figures are editorial estimates compiled from entertainment and celebrity-finance publications; no audited financial disclosure exists. Biographical details (education, marriage date, children’s birth dates, business ventures) are drawn from the couple’s public profiles, network publicity, and Texas A&M Foundation records. All net-worth figures should be treated as estimates. For authoritative show information, see Magnolia Network.
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