For many residents of the Antigua Apartments along Galveston’s Seawall, beachfront living has come with more hardship than peace. After a year marked by serious health and safety complaints, storm damage, and hundreds of city code violations, tenants now say they’ve been told they must move out — with just 30 days’ notice.
A Year of Problems at the Antigua Apartments
The problems began surfacing publicly in early 2024. Some of the most severe issues included:
Power outages in February, forcing some tenants to string extension cords for weeks.
Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which reportedly caused holes in roofs.
Plumbing failures that led to what appeared to be sewage backing up into sinks, dishwashers, and bathtubs.
These issues sparked action from Galveston city inspectors, who visited the property in August 2024. A month later, they hit the owner with hundreds of violations related to:
Structural damage
Mold and mildew
Rodent infestations
Electrical and plumbing problems
Tenants Now Told to Leave
Now, almost a year later, residents like George McCullough, who has lived in the complex for three years, say they’ve received notices to vacate the property.
“She gave us a 30-day notice. September the 12th, I have to be out of here,” McCullough shared.
Like many others, McCullough is now scrambling to find a new place to live. Though emotionally and financially stressed, he remains hopeful.
“I’m not giving up because God brought me this far. He’s going to keep on carrying me until the day he calls on me.”
City Response and Legal Insight
A Galveston city spokesperson confirmed that they’ve been in regular contact with the apartment’s owner and noted that some improvements have been made, including leak repairs and moving tenants to other units temporarily.
However, the city also clarified:
They are not assisting tenants in finding new housing.
They have not received any permit applications for demolition or redevelopment — yet.
They are aware that all tenants have been told to leave.
According to legal experts like Richard Amagwula of Amagwula Law, this type of forced move isn’t classified as a traditional eviction.
“Violations and health concerns allow landlords to issue a notice to vacate, even when tenants still have active leases,” Amagwula explained.
That could offer some relief to tenants worried about how the move might affect their rental history or future housing applications.
What’s Next for the Property?
While no official plans have been filed with the city, referral letters given to tenants mention that the property will be sold and demolished. If that happens, it would mark the end of a building that has stood on Galveston’s Seawall for nearly 50 years — but also one that’s become a symbol of housing neglect.
“It’s time for change,” McCullough said. “Everybody is facing change now.”
It’s a change that not only affects the lives of dozens of tenants but could also reshape a piece of Galveston’s historic shoreline.
