A new building is taking shape along Padre Boulevard in South Padre Island.

A Wednesday groundbreaking for the Historical Museum of South Padre Island was held at 601 Padre Blvd., and officials say it will be the first museum to bring visitors the history of what the island is today. 

It’s a goal that had been in the works for years by Dennis Franke, president of the South Padre Island Historical Society.

“Fourteen years ago, three of us sat down and determined that a historical museum would be a very important thing for the island,” Franke said. 

The museum construction is set to cost nearly $3 million.

“We have an arrangement with the city to lease this piece of property,” Franke said. “In addition to that, we have raised a total of $2.875 million — almost $3 million — from the community foundation, the EDA, and part from the city."

The historical society says the museum should come together by summer 2025. 

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