Galveston’s Plan for Permanent Battleship Texas Home Hits Rough Waters Amid Opposition and Negotiation Breakdowns

by Mike Acosta, NEWS THAT MATTERS TO HOU

Oct. 23, 2024

midnight

Galveston, TX - A plan for the permanent home of the Battleship Texas is facing significant challenges. The Galveston Wharves Board is reporting difficulties in reaching an agreement with the Battleship Texas Foundation and has ended negotiations regarding relocation of the ship from its current repair dock to a proposed site near Pier 21 at the Port of Galveston.

Galveston’s Plan for Permanent Battleship Texas Home Hits Rough Waters Amid Opposition and Negotiation Breakdowns

The board had previously considered a location along the Galveston Channel and Harborside Drive, which is near the island's cruise terminals, Historic Seaport, and various restaurants.

The proposed plan involved three entities—Landry's Inc., the Battleship Texas Foundation, and Galveston Wharves—working together to maintain the 573-foot ship as a tourist attraction and museum. However, the owners of Katie's Seafood Restaurant at Pier 19 strongly opposed the deal. They expressed concerns that the battleship's presence would obstruct their restaurant's view of the water and create an emergency hazard in the event of a hurricane.

In response, the restaurant's owner initiated a petition in late May urging officials to reconsider the plan. The petition has garnered over 2,700 signatures, reflecting widespread community support. The restaurant owners highlighted ongoing issues such as flooding and a downturn in the Galveston economy. They believe that the battleship's positioning would further detract from their business by blocking the currently unobstructed views of the bay, which customers enjoy while dining. While the Ocean Star Offshore Energy Center and Museum is already located nearby, the owners feel that the Battleship Texas would significantly impede the scenic experience they aim to provide to their guests.

The Battleship Texas Foundation released the following statement on Facebook:

We are surprised and disappointed by the Wharves Board’s decision to terminate negotiations with us regarding the Battleship. We will continue to pursue alternate locations that we have been actively exploring along the way. The future of the Battleship remains bright, and we look forward to finding her forever home.

So, one might think “where else can the Battleship go?” Well, one location that some have suggested is Seawolf Park on Pelican Island, but that site was ruled out this past summer.

Since August 2022, the Battleship Texas has been undergoing renovations and repairs in the Port of Galveston. The historic vessel is one of the last remaining ships to have served in both World War I and II.

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