Port authority approves Spam Museum contract

Published 10:55 am Wednesday, July 2, 2014

The paperwork is in to finalize the Spam Museum relocation to downtown Austin.

The Austin Port Authority approved the finalized contract Tuesday between the Spam Museum and the city of Austin.

“This is, in essence, the document to finalize the Spam Museum moving to downtown,” interim executive director Tom Dankert said.

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The agreement stipulates several contingencies each side must complete. The port authority agrees to raze and remove the existing structures on the former downtown fire site property between Second and Fourth Avenues on the east side of Main Street, remove hazardous material and backfill the land with the exception of one or two lots which still has footings from previous businesses.

The city of Austin agreed to reopen Third Avenue Northeast as well as provide bus and RV parking to the east of the Spam Museum’s proposed location.

Of course, the city also agreed to allow Hormel Foods Corp. move its famous pig statue to the downtown site as well.

The Austin City Council must approve the contract as well before it becomes official.

Hormel officials announced the Spam Museum’s relocation in May after months of consideration.

The new museum is expected to open in spring 2016. The current museum is scheduled to close in September.