BRYAN, Texas (KRHD) — Doug French purchased 103 North Main Street in downtown Bryan, where his ancestor William F. Gibbs operated a men's clothing store in the early 1920s.
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Doug French has always wanted to own property in downtown Bryan. But when the opportunity came to buy a building with deep roots in his own family history, it became something far more personal.
French, CEO of Stylecraft and Tenant First, recently purchased the building at 103 North Main Street — the same location where his great-great-grandfather, William F. Gibbs, operated a men's clothing store in the early 1920s. That store eventually closed during the Great Depression. Nearly a century later, French is bringing the property back to life.
"I've always wanted to own something here. But then I have a building that also has such a deep family connection made it extra special," French said.
"My great, great grandfather, William F. Gibbs had a men's clothing store in this exact location," French said.
French and his team are now renovating the building, with plans to use it for both commercial and community-facing purposes.
"On the upper floor, we're gonna have a house or rental property company that owns and manages rental property kind of across the state," French said.
"Then down the downstairs square footage. Not sure if it'll be a coffee shop or a bar or a restaurant or a bookstore. Just something that really kinda fits that downtown Bryan vibe and style," French said.
Standing inside the building during renovations, French reflected on the connection he feels to his ancestor and the ground they both have stood on.
"It just is so cool to know that like where I'm standing right now, he stood years ago," French said.
When asked what he thinks his great-great-grandfather would think seeing him carry on the family's legacy, French said the moment feels bigger than business.
"I think he'd be really proud that we're running companies, giving back to the community, and also investing in the very building that he built his company in," French said.
"I just know that my grandfather is somewhere smiling down on me right now," French said.
French said the renovation project is expected to be completed by this time next year.
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