Co-chair Palacios Preservation Association
The Palacios Preservation Association is proud to announce the sale and restoration of the Luther Hotel to J.P. Bryan, renowned historian and philanthropist committed to preserving the rich heritage of Texas. Mr. Bryan is the great, great nephew of Stephen F. Austin and his deep roots in Texas history make him the ideal steward for this beloved hotel. He sees the Luther as the place where history and hospitality meet. His vision will honor the Luther’s past while positioning it as a powerful cultural and economic asset for Palacios and the region.
We asked Mr. Bryan if he would share his thoughts about this exciting announcement. “It has been said on many occasions, we have saved the best for last. For me and the project of restoring the former Hotel Palacios, now the Luther Hotel, may well fit that descriptive phrase just as the construction of the Hotel Palacios constituted a seminal economic event to the then developing town of Palacios. Its reconstruction introduces an incredible new prosperity to both the town and the entire surrounding community of Matagorda. This effort will not only save a building, but as historical restoration has demonstrated on countless occasions, the soul of the community. Not quickly, but overtime, the restored Hotel Palacios will stand as an enduring monument to those who rose up in the path of its destruction and shine as a beacon for those seeking for a moment in time or a lifetime enjoying its charm and newfound prosperity.”
Mr. Bryan is not new to such a project. In 1982, he and his wife Mary Jon Bryan purchased and began renovating the historic Gage Hotel in Marathon, Texas. Today it is a destination hotel and restaurant which has transformed the small town into a thriving tourist destination. In October 2013, an exciting new project emerged and J.P. and Mary Jon Bryan purchased and restored the old Galveston Orphans Home to house the Bryan Museum. With a mission to bring the history of Texas and the American West to life, the Bryan Museum, is home to one of the world’s largest collections of historical artifacts, documents, and artwork relating to Texas and the American West. Now the Luther Hotel with bay views, a sweeping drive and palm trees, will join the other wonderful Bryan treasures and play its part in telling the story of Texas.
For the last four years the Luther Hotel has been owned by the estate of the last owner, Jack Findley, currently represented by estate administrator, Jessica Newell of the Gardner Law Firm in San Antonio. Under a previous administration the hotel was under contract to be sold to a buyer requiring demolition of the building. In November of 2022, Preservation Texas issued a special alert calling it “The Most Endangered Building in Texas.” The Palacios Preservation Association was quickly formed to “Save the Luther.” Beginning as a coordinated community campaign, it mushroomed into a movement supported by a team of volunteer lawyers and experts from around the country and petition signers from 30 countries around the world! A series of temporary restraining orders saved the day, providing time for a purchase plan to be put into place. Palacios native, Nick Herman, initiated the contract and now it is reassigned for sale to Mr. Bryan.
The Luther Hotel is more than just a building; it is a living repository of stories, memories, and the spirit of Palacios. Built in 1903, this historic hotel has stood as a beacon on the Texas coast. From the moment it first opened its doors, the hotel, the oldest business in Palacios, has been at the heart of countless personal stories and significant historical events that have helped shape not only Palacios but Texas and the nation, as recognized by its Texas state marker and listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
Throughout its history, the Luther has played host to a myriad of notable guests, from travelers seeking solace by the sea to dignitaries and wartime entertainers who have graced its halls. It has weathered storms, witnessed celebrations, and served as a gathering place for the community. The hotel’s storied past is intertwined with the lives of Palacios’ citizens, making its preservation a matter of deep personal and cultural significance.
The sale of the Luther Hotel to Mr. Bryan marks a new chapter. Mr. Bryan brings a passion for preservation and a deep understanding of the cultural importance of such landmarks. His team’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the hotel while infusing it with new life is a testament to the significance of this building—not just as a piece of history, but as a cornerstone of Palacios’ economic and heritage tourism future. Restoration revitalizes communities and Palacios is no exception.
“With J.P. Bryan’s vision and expertise, the hotel is set to once again become a cornerstone of Palacios’ future, driving economic growth and enhancing the town’s appeal as a destination. This project will not only preserve a beloved landmark but will also ignite a new era of prosperity for Palacios, proving that history is not just something to be remembered, but something to be lived and celebrated,” said Margaret Doughty, Co-Chair of the Palacios Preservation Association.
“What a wild ride this has been! We’ve learned more about the law and real estate than we ever wanted to know. In the process, we have been so moved by the incredible number of wonderfully caring people who have stepped forward to help. These new friends include the members of Mr. Bryan’s team whom we are prepared to continue to help in any way we can. We couldn’t have dreamt of a better buyer!” says Edith Gower, Co-Chair of the Palacios Preservation Association.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Margaret Doughty + Edith Gower
Co-Chairs, The Palacios Preservation Association
doughtyhrc@gmail.com + egowerpalacios@gmail.com
832.721.5915