Bank notes: It isn’t unusual for banks to spruce up their branches with fresh décor and amenities. But when Texas First Bank this week debuted a major renovation of its Hitchcock branch, 8128 state Highway 6, it unveiled not only a renewed banking center but also a museum paying tribute to t…

Property lines: Contrary to speculation, the historic 1891 Henry Beissner House, 2818 Ball St. in Galveston, wasn’t in the path of an eminent domain lawsuit brought by CenterPoint Energy. But CenterPoint wanted land about a block away from the house, said Anthony P. Griffin, who owns the Bei…

Full circle: Most people wouldn’t buy a million-dollar house on a beachfront lot just to be near a convenience store. But Sammy Virani did. And when he hired crews to demolish the Jamaica Beach mansion, it caused quite a stir and some speculation Virani wants to set straight.

Who let the buzz out? Rumors and speculation are racing around about a deep-pocketed developer buying the idled Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004 in La Marque.

Tower talk: The pandemic has altered but not stopped island-based American National Insurance Co.’s plans for a major modernization of its 20-floor tower, One Moody Plaza in Galveston’s downtown.

In what promises to be a game-changer for Mainland City Centre, developer Jerome Karam on Friday opened Texas Entertainment Xperience, or TEX, the largest family entertainment destination in the state. But he isn’t stopping there as his long-planned restaurant row at the center is near becom…

Hot dog! Don’t believe in ghosts? You might change your mind when a ghost kitchen opens in League City next month.

Major makeover: If it has been a while since you’ve been inside the building formerly housing Col. Bubbie’s Strand Surplus Senter, you’re in for a surprise.

Cove Matrix Development is pursuing about as many as 300 acres with plans for more than 700 homes over the next 10 years.

Signs of life? Readers are buzzing about the installation of plywood at the long vacant 1891 Henry Beissner House in Galveston and wondering whether it’s a sign restoration is imminent.

Beer buzz: The island’s largest brewery is about to get even larger.

Checking in — again: In a dizzying turn of events, relentless rumors were revived this week that Texas-based hospitality, management and investment group SRH Hospitality Galveston Investments was closing on the acquisition of The Tremont House in Galveston, a historic property at 2300 Ship M…

Let them eat wake? Island-born billionaire Tilman Fertitta rarely is shy about publicity or sharing news about his successes. But he didn’t exactly trumpet the sea-worthy testing of his 250-foot, $150 million super yacht, possibly sensing the awkward timing in an economy reeling from the pandemic.

Front burner: Dining options are about to get a little spicier in League City. Franchisee Andrew Gates is aiming for a Feb. 22 opening of The Lost Cajun, 3010 Interstate 45 in League City Towne Center, which is anchored by SuperTarget and Ross Dress for Less, among other big-box stores.

Apartment department: After more than a year of construction, tenants soon will begin moving into long-awaited luxury apartments at the iconic 12-story United States National Bank Building, 2201 Market St. in the island’s downtown.

In a year of pandemic, deals got done and undone, entrepreneurs were made, and prominent businessmen added to their growing empires or fought to hang on to all they had built. In between, commerce in Galveston County continued.

Property lines: Friendswood attorney and developer Jerome Karam, who likely now is the largest commercial property owner in the county, has acquired two small Galveston apartment complex buildings at 717-725 Broadway. He plans to convert the units to short-term rentals as leases expire.

No bull: Crews on Wednesday demolished the 45-year-old former and long vacant Mrs. Baird’s bakery distribution center in League City, clearing the way for a 16-acre development called Grand Oak Village just north of the intersection of Interstate 45 and state Highway 96.