All about the community of model railroading and rail enthusiasm
May 1, 2014
Southern Pacific No. 982 will be a part of Houston’s new Nau Center, which recently received a $1 million gift from Union Pacific Railroad. – Cowcatcher Magazine
The Nau Center for Texas Cultural Heritage announced a $1 million gift from Union Pacific Railroad for the “Engines of Progress” railroad interactive experience exhibit. It is the largest grant the Union Pacific Foundation has ever made in Texas.
“Thanks to Union Pacific’s generous gift, guests will leave the Nau Center with a firm understanding of both the historical and modern importance of the railroad industry in Southeast Texas,” said John Nau, Chairman of the Nau Center Board of Directors.
The Nau Center’s “Engine of Progress” exhibit will feature Southern Pacific No. 982, a vintage steam locomotive which will be loaded with special effects characterizing the train’s departure and trip across the Texas plains. To be located in the “Get Big Things Done” gallery, the exhibit will celebrate the history of the Southeast Texas’ railroad industry and the major role it played in the development, growth, and economic success of Houston and its people.
“Union Pacific is thrilled to support the efforts of the Nau Center in its mission to tell the remarkable history of Houston and southeast Texas,” said Brenda Mainwaring, Vice President Public Affairs South, Union Pacific Railroad. “With its focus on education, the Nau Center will bring history to life for Houston residents and visitors. We’re pleased that the region’s deep railroading roots will be featured as an important part of that story.”
Construction will begin this fall on the center, which will be built between the George R. Brown Convention Center and Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston.
When built, the Nau Center will be almost 70,000 square feet and include the city’s only two remaining houses built at the turn of the 20th century. Nau, who is CEO of Silver Eagle Distributors LP, gave an $8 million gift to help launch the project.
The center made headlines last year after SP No. 982 was donated by the Houston Junior Chamber of Commerce. The locomotive, built in 1919, sits outside of Minute Maid Park. After the donation, the Nau Center got a $750,000 grant from the Stewart and Joella Morris Foundation to go towards restoration. The locomotive has been on display near the ballpark since 2005, after spending nearly 50 years in Hermann Park. Plans are for No. 982 to be on display in the great hall of the Nau Center.
The center is expected to be complete in time for the 2016 Super Bowl, which will be played in Houston.
