Ashley Cordray, born in 1987 in Spring, Texas, is an American home renovator and reality TV star renowned for her passion for restoring historic homes. As the co-founder of Save 1900, Ashley, along with her husband Michael Cordray, has transformed neglected Galveston properties into stunning homes that perfectly blend historic charm with modern functionality. Her journey from a maritime administration graduate to a celebrated renovation expert highlights dedication, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Ashley gained widespread recognition through the reality TV show “Restoring Galveston” (formerly Big Texas Fix) on Magnolia Network and DIY Network. Known for her expertise in home restoration and historic preservation, she has inspired countless homeowners and viewers to appreciate the value of preserving architectural heritage while creating functional, modern living spaces.
Key Fact
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashley Cordray (née Youngblood) |
| Birth Date & Place | February 21, 1987, Spring, Texas, USA |
| Age | 38 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 121 pounds (55 kg) |
| Ethnicity | Brown |
| Religion | Christianity |
Who is Ashley Cordray?
Ashley Cordray is a renowned American home renovator and reality TV personality, best known for her dedication to restoring historic Galveston homes. Alongside her husband, Michael Cordray, she co-founded Save 1900 in 2015, a renovation company focused on rescuing and preserving properties damaged or neglected since the 1900 Galveston hurricane. Ashley’s expertise lies in blending historic charm with modern functionality, earning her recognition as both a skilled renovator and influential media figure.
Her work gained national attention through the reality TV show “Restoring Galveston” (originally Big Texas Fix) on Magnolia Network and DIY Network. Ashley is admired not only for her renovation skills but also for her passion for historic preservation, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her ability to inspire homeowners and viewers to value and restore architectural heritage.
Also About Read: robin-ruzan
Early Life of Ashley Cordray
Ashley Cordray was born on February 21, 1987, in Spring, Texas, into a family that nurtured her curiosity and determination. She grew up with her parents, Cindy and Charles Youngblood, and her sister, Angela Falcon, in a supportive environment that encouraged education and ambition. From a young age, Ashley displayed a keen interest in history, architecture, and hands-on projects, passions that would later shape her career in historic home restoration.
In 2004, Ashley enrolled at Texas A&M University at Galveston, initially pursuing a degree in marine biology before switching to maritime administration, a business-focused program tailored to the maritime industry. Her time in Galveston exposed her to the city’s rich history and charming historic homes, sparking a deep appreciation for preservation. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future work in restoring and revitalizing Galveston’s architectural heritage.
Full name/Real name:
Ashley Cordray (maiden name Youngblood)
Birth date/Birth place:
Born on February 21, 1987, in Texas, USA
Family background:
- Parents: Cindy and Charles Youngblood
- Siblings: One sister, Angela Falcon
- Spouse: Michael Cordray (married April 4, 2014)
- Children: Three daughters – Elle, Emma, and Emory
School/University:
- Attended a Houston-area community college for two years
- Transferred to Texas A&M University at Galveston in 2004
- Initially pursued marine biology, then switched to maritime administration
- Graduated around 2008
Career Journey of Ashley Cordray
Early Career and Breakthrough
Ashley Cordray began her professional journey after graduating from Texas A&M University at Galveston in 2008. She started working at Kirby Inland Marine in Spring, Texas, where she met her future husband, Michael Cordray, a Galveston native with experience in construction and renovation. Their shared passion for architecture and history led them to begin restoring old Galveston homes as a side project. In 2015, Ashley made a bold move—she convinced Michael to leave his corporate job, and together they founded Save 1900, a company dedicated to reviving historic Galveston properties damaged by time and storms.
Rise to Fame and Peak Years
Ashley’s career reached new heights when she and Michael landed their own TV show, “Restoring Galveston” (formerly Big Texas Fix), on Magnolia Network and DIY Network. The show documented their home renovation projects, showcasing their ability to blend historic charm with modern living. Viewers quickly admired Ashley’s design vision, project management skills, and deep respect for architectural preservation. Her authenticity and talent turned Restoring Galveston into a fan favorite, propelling her into the spotlight as one of the most respected names in home restoration.
Notable Work and Recognition
Through Save 1900, Ashley has restored dozens of historic properties across Galveston, breathing new life into the city’s aging architecture. Her projects reflect a balance of historic preservation and functional design, often highlighting Galveston’s 19th-century craftsmanship. In 2019, she received the “Best Preservationist” award from the Galveston Historical Foundation for her outstanding contributions to the community. Today, Ashley continues to expand her influence through television, philanthropy, and her commitment to preserving Galveston’s historic legacy.
Fame Reason and Future Plans of Ashley Cordray
Ashley Cordray rose to fame through her role as the co-host of “Restoring Galveston” on Magnolia Network, where her passion for historic preservation and home renovation captivated audiences nationwide. Her unique ability to transform century-old homes into modern masterpieces while maintaining their historical integrity set her apart from other renovators. Viewers were drawn to Ashley’s creativity, hands-on approach, and heartfelt connection to Galveston’s culture and architecture. Her fame is deeply rooted in her authenticity, storytelling, and dedication to preserving the city’s architectural heritage.
Beyond television, Ashley’s reputation as a skilled entrepreneur and preservationist continues to grow. Through her company Save 1900, she and her husband Michael Cordray have revitalized dozens of Galveston homes, contributing significantly to the island’s tourism and cultural preservation. Her recognition as a “Best Preservationist” award winner in 2019 further solidified her status as a leader in the field. Fans admire her for not only restoring homes but also reviving the history and soul of Galveston’s neighborhoods.
Looking ahead, Ashley Cordray’s future plans include expanding the reach of Save 1900, taking on larger restoration projects, and continuing to educate others about historic preservation. She also aims to inspire a new generation of renovators through her media presence and community involvement. With her unwavering passion and entrepreneurial mindset, Ashley plans to continue building a legacy that preserves Galveston’s architectural beauty for decades to come.
Physical Appearance of Ashley Cordray
Age:
38 years old (as of 2025)
Height:
5 feet 5 inches (165 cm)
Weight:
Approximately 121 pounds (55 kg)
Body measurement:
34-28-40 inches
Physical attributes:
- Brown hair
- Dark brown eyes
- Brown ethnicity
Major Achievements of Ashley Cordray
Ashley Cordray’s career is marked by a series of remarkable achievements that highlight her dedication to historic preservation and home restoration. As the co-founder of Save 1900, she has successfully restored numerous historic homes in Galveston, Texas, breathing new life into properties that once stood in disrepair. Her work has not only revitalized neighborhoods but also helped preserve the cultural and architectural heritage of the island. In 2019, Ashley was honored with the “Best Preservationist” award from the Galveston Historical Foundation, recognizing her exceptional contributions to protecting and restoring local history.
In addition to her restoration success, Ashley Cordray gained national recognition through her hit reality TV series “Restoring Galveston” on Magnolia Network. The show showcases her craftsmanship, creativity, and deep appreciation for design and history, inspiring viewers to see beauty in restoration. Beyond television, Ashley’s philanthropic efforts—supporting organizations like Habitat for Humanity and the Galveston County Food Bank—underscore her commitment to community development. Her achievements reflect not only professional excellence but also a lasting passion for creating meaningful impact through restoration and preservation.
Personal Life of Ashley Cordray
Family:
Ashley Cordray is married to Michael Cordray, and they have three daughters: Elle, Emma, and Emory. Her parents are Cindy and Charles Youngblood, and she has one sister named Angela Falcon.
Nationality:
American
Religion:
Christianity
Ethnicity:
Brown ethnicity
Marital status/Relationship:
Married to Michael Cordray since April 4, 2014
Net worth:
Estimated between $3 million and $5 million in 2025
Social media presence:
Ashley and Michael maintain an active social media presence, particularly through their joint Instagram account (@save1900), where they share updates about their restoration projects and family life.
| Platform | Account Name/Handle | Description | Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| @save1900 | Instagram for Michael & Ashley Cordray’s Save 1900 | 78.7K+ | |
| TikTok | @save1900galveston | TikTok account of Michael & Ashley Cordray | 674 |
| X (Twitter) | @save1900 | Twitter/X account for updates and engagement | 1,946 |
| Save 1900 | Facebook page for the restoration business | Followers not specified |
Interesting Facts About Ashley Cordray
- Ashley Cordray originally studied marine biology before switching to maritime administration at Texas A&M University–Galveston.
- She met her husband, Michael Cordray, while working at Kirby Inland Marine in Texas.
- The couple’s renovation company, Save 1900, is named after the 1900 Galveston hurricane, one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history.
- Ashley and Michael’s TV show “Restoring Galveston” was initially titled “Big Texas Fix” before joining the Magnolia Network.
- In 2019, Ashley received the Best Preservationist Award from the Galveston Historical Foundation for her work in historic home restoration.
Conclusion of Ashley Cordray
Ashley Cordray’s story is a true reflection of passion, creativity, and dedication. From her early days studying maritime administration to becoming a nationally recognized home renovator and TV personality, she has proven that following one’s passion can lead to incredible success. Through her company Save 1900 and her popular show “Restoring Galveston”, Ashley has played a vital role in preserving the architectural history of Galveston, Texas, while inspiring a new generation to value restoration and craftsmanship.
Beyond fame, Ashley Cordray’s legacy lies in her commitment to community, history, and design. Her achievements as a preservationist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist highlight her enduring impact on both the renovation industry and her local community. As she continues to expand her projects and influence, Ashley remains a symbol of hard work, vision, and love for historic preservation — proving that with passion and purpose, even the past can be beautifully rebuilt.
FAQs About Ashley Cordray
1. Who is Ashley Cordray?
Ashley Cordray is an American home renovator, entrepreneur, and TV star best known for her show “Restoring Galveston” on Magnolia Network.
2. What is Ashley Cordray famous for?
She is famous for restoring historic homes in Galveston, Texas, through her company Save 1900, co-founded with her husband, Michael Cordray.
3. Who is Ashley Cordray’s husband?
Her husband is Michael Cordray, her business partner and co-star on “Restoring Galveston.”
4. What award did Ashley Cordray receive?
Ashley received the Best Preservationist Award (2019) from the Galveston Historical Foundation for her outstanding restoration work.
5. What is Ashley Cordray’s net worth?
As of 2025, Ashley Cordray’s estimated net worth ranges between $3 million and $5 million, earned from TV and her renovation business.
