GALVESTON, Texas -- The start of hurricane season meant the rebirth of a Galveston landmark. The Tremont House opened for business for the first time since it was damaged by Hurricane Ike, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

The 130-year-old Tremont House hotel, located at 2300 Ships Mechanic Row in downtown, reopened its doors at 4 p.m.

Renovations took nine months after Hurricane Ike devastated Galveston Island.

Repairs were made to the first floor, which was inundated with 8 feet of muddy water. Furniture and antiques were ruined.

Renovations were also made to rooms and the restaurant so the hotel would be more protected during future storms.

"Most people underestimated Hurricane Ike and the hotel now has more detailed plans in mind -- what needs to move, what needs to move up to higher floors, what needs to be boarded up," said Christine Hopkins, with Mitchell Historic Properties. "The wall-board is now mold and moisture resistant. Our new plantation shudders, which are on the first floor now, are magnetically attached. We can just detach those shudders and move them to a higher floor."

The hotel is offering new, lower rates in hopes of attracting guests to see the renovations.