Center of attention: Be it by wind or storm surge, Hurricane Ike pushed a lot of businesses around the county out of their buildings, forcing them to find new offices and storefronts — some permanently and others until they can make repairs. The phenomenon is filling up some shopping centers on the mainland.
For the first time in its 17-year history, Gulfway Plaza at La Marque, 14047 Delany Road, is at 98 percent occupancy, reports Andy Walsh of Herndon, Va.-based Sugar Oak Corp., which owns the 176,259-square-foot center anchored by Boot Kikkers Bingo and VF Factory Outlet. The center has one 3,000-square-foot space remaining and plans to build out some more. Here’s the tenant lineup:
• Just after the storm, which struck Sept. 13, the U.S. Postal Service signed a one-year lease for 15,375 square feet to handle island mail. Some routes and postal services in Galveston have been restored. Postal officials, however, haven’t said when they would terminate the lease, Walsh said.
• Aran & Franklin Engineering’s island office sustained severe water damage. The firm is leasing 2,650 square feet in the center, at least in the near term.
• Newly formed business Whaley’s Flooring, which sells merchandise to contractors and the general public, has secured 2,757 square feet formerly occupied by Unique Silk Designs.
• Galveston Government Employees Credit Union, which sustained storm damage at its island building, has signed a one-year lease for 3,000 square feet.
• The island’s Victorian Condominiums Owners Association ends its lease at the center this month, with plans to return to offices at 6300 Seawall Blvd. by the month’s end, Walsh said.
• Partners with downtown Texas City law firm Linebarger, Goggan Blair & Sampson suspect a small twister ripped through their building during the storm. Some partners reported returning to the office, looking up and seeing the sky.
The firm, which is occupying 3,400 square feet at the center, will likely be there for the long term, Walsh said.
• Islander’s Tackle owner Chris Gonzales has secured a five-year lease for 4,800 square feet to sell rods, reels, lures and other fishing merchandise after the storm totaled his island shop.
• Also formerly on the island, Traffic Beauty & Barber Salon has signed a three-year lease for 2,600 square feet, putting it near Armstrong & McCall Beauty Supply in the center. The shop is expected to open in December.
• The University of Texas Medical Branch’s island campus was swamped with storm surge. The medical branch has temporarily leased 3,900 square feet for administrative offices. More than 30 employees are working in the temporary space, Walsh reports.
Downtown story: The storm made a mess of the island’s downtown, but some groups say the show must go on.
Kim Mytelka, artistic/executive director of Island East-End Theatre Co., reports that the nonprofit group’s rented space at 2001 Postoffice St. was destroyed by storm surge. Now the theater company is staging a comeback in the building known as The Strand Theatre, 2317 Ship’s Mechanic Row downtown. The Strand Theatre also was destroyed.
“But it seemed to make the most sense to move there and rebuild,” Mytelka said. The group is moving its props and costumes there.
Burger bite: A lot of readers have been hungry for news of West End restaurant Café Michael Burger. Owner Debra Lichtenfeldt reports the 11150 FM 3005 eatery would open in about four weeks.
The restaurant, launched by the late Michael Lichtenfeldt, did not sustain storm surge damage, but the building had to be gutted after the roof came off during the hurricane.
Gately open: The island’s Gately Paper Co., supplying business and restaurants with paper plates and other products since the 1950s, has returned. The 3304 Market St. store is running normal business hours — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
OK Corral: Beef lovers take heart. Marvin Searcy is aiming for a Nov. 21 reopening of Golden Corral, 6200 Seawall. Searcy said the restaurant is undergoing a complete renovation after the storm.
West End report: Longtime Galveston business Worthley Island Appliance didn’t let severe storm damage to its merchandise knock it out of commission. The store, which carries major brand names in kitchen appliances and washers and dryers, has reopened with new inventory in Jamaica Beach, 16708 FM 3005. The store was formerly at 5938 Broadway. Worthley Island Appliance also is selling slightly damaged appliances at deeply discounted prices, owners report.
Biz Buzz appears Mondays and Thursdays. We welcome your tips and suggestions. Call 409-683-5248 or e-mail laura.elder(at)galvnews.com.
