CAMDEN, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The Battleship New Jersey in Camden is getting a new $24 million welcome center and a parking garage.
Officials said the additions are meant to provide visitors with top-notch, modern amenities to enhance the experience of touring a World War II ship.
Battleship CEO Marshall Spevak said they are also adding a new cafeteria and gift shop, along with expanded parking.
“Our new parking garage will create a clear, more welcoming front door, while improving access to the battleship, Wiggins Marina, and the Camden waterfront,” he said, adding the garage solves one of the trickiest parts of visiting the ship.
“Our guests should not have to search for the front door to one of our nation’s most historic landmarks. School groups should have a proper place to arrive and prepare for their visit, and families should have better food and visitor amenities available.”
There will also be some much needed work on the battleship, such as HVAC upgrades, pier repairs and other items that Spevak said have long sat on a wishlist.
“There is a great deal of work ahead,” he said. That work is scheduled to begin next year and will take two years to complete.
