Luxury lofts open in old Yoakum National Bank building

  • Chandeliers line the hallway upstairs at the old National Bank building in downtown Yoakum.
    Chandeliers line the hallway upstairs at the old National Bank building in downtown Yoakum.
  • The Yoakum Historic Downtown Luxury Lofts are located downtown at 209 West Grand Ave.
    The Yoakum Historic Downtown Luxury Lofts are located downtown at 209 West Grand Ave.
  • Several lofts on the second floor of the old National Bank building contain modern appliances and brand-new kitchens.
    Several lofts on the second floor of the old National Bank building contain modern appliances and brand-new kitchens.
  • Yoakum National Bank operated at 209 West Grand Ave. beginning in the late 19th century.
    Yoakum National Bank operated at 209 West Grand Ave. beginning in the late 19th century.

    One of downtown Yoakum’s most recognizable and historically-significant buildings was given a burst of life courtesy of a five-year renovation project by two local property flippers. 

     

    Tim and Mary Bulot recently completed work on three second-story luxury lofts in the former Yoakum National Bank building at 209 West Grand Ave. The bank moved into the property in the 1890s, with firms and businesses operating on the second floor for decades. 

     

    The Bulots reported more than three decades of property restoration experience, with early 20th-century buildings in their completed portfolio. The couple emphasized preserving the original aspects of the building in their contemporary design. 

     

    “We tried to leave as much of the original building as we could…,” said Tim Bulot. “I can picture how everything was; it has come a long way. It is satisfying to look at the before and after.” 

     

    The couple completed renovations on the old bank’s bottom floor multiple years ago, with more than five total years of work on the building. Tim Bulot said the Yoakum National Bank renovation project benefited from matching grants from the Yoakum Economic Development Corporation (YEDC). 

     

    “There were doctors and dentists (operating out of the Yoakum National Bank Building). The very first elevator in Yoakum was in this building…,” said Mary Bulot. “It is cool that people tell us stories (of their memories in this building), and they are proud that we did something to save it.”

     

    While they are still working on the three remaining units, the renovators said they had acquired a historical marker for the building and eagerly looked forward to hearing feedback from guests. 

     


    *Note - This article was edited on Dec. 7 for brevity and clarity.