More on the Wawona
I’ve posted a little bit about the Wawona and the struggle to save it from destruction. The original deadline for figuring out a way to fix it and/or a place to put it was today, and it’s still there.
A big part of the reason that they haven’t chopped up the Wawona yet is MOHAI’s potential move to SLU. They started seriously discussing the prospect back in July, and as of last week the City Council has voted to support that move [P-I]. MOHAI will have to sell the space that they already bought down by the Convention Center, but the old Naval Reserve building is clearly a good fit for a museum that wants to tell the story of the city’s maritime history.
Last week the always reliable Joe Follansbee of the Maritime Heritage Network pointed out some money set aside in the mayor’s 2007-2008 parks budget to dry dock the Wawona for repairs. They’re not committed to save the whole boat, of course, and are still trying to put it on land for display because they are not budging from their resolve to get it away from the dock where it is currently moored. Specifically, the proposal says, “The project may include removing and preserving key features, and demolishing the remainder. Key features that may be preserved include the aft section, the masts, and other specific pieces showing the construction and workmanship involved in the vessel’s construction.”
Still, it’s a start, and the fact that the city has agreed to work with the boat’s supporters provides hope that a compromise that makes everyone happy may be able to be reached.
