 The National Hotel Artist <unk> ( <unk> ) is an <unk> @-@ developed property featuring twenty @-@ seven live / work units designated as affordable housing for artists . The project brought new life to the historic <unk> Levy Building , which was left abandoned for twenty years . Originally built as the <unk> Opera House in 1870 , the structure was extensively renovated to serve various functions , from offices and stores to the National Hotel . The building also housed the U.S. National Weather Bureau 's Galveston office under Isaac <unk> during the 1900 Storm . 
