DESIGN REVEALED FOR PROPOSED EXPANSION
By Brad Larson, Director
The elegant 1908 Edgar Sawyer mansion, home to the museum for more than 80 years, served as the inspiration for a beautifully designed expansion plan. Developed by architect Alexandra Ramsey of Engberg Anderson Design Partners, Milwaukee, and revealed on July 16. the proposed expansion is a striking match to the Edwardian elegance of the home. The design includes architectural elements found in the Sawyer home, such as the gable ends, chimneys, and limestone trim.
Visitors will enter the museum from a new entrance into a large, accommodating lobby. From there, visitors may chose to enter new exhibit halls, the public program and meeting spaces, an expanded research facility, or the current museum. The entrance into the current museum will be through what is now the Wetlands & Waterways gallery. The design includes an expanded store, a café, and other visitor amenities.
This design provides flexibility and will enable us to place more of the collection on public view, as well as better preserve the objects that represent this community and its people. Collections currently stored in the Fire Barn are deteriorating; unless we make a provision for their preservation fairly soon, they will certainly be lost. The Fire Barn, which itself is deteriorating, will be removed, offering a clean line of sight to the new museum.
The lack of parking is our number one complaint at present. The site plan includes a two- level parking facility, with one level slightly below grade. The top level will be carefully screened to maintain the residential atmosphere of the neighborhood.
There is no doubt that this is a major and serious undertaking. By their very definition, public museums are owned by the residents. The community must support this project for it to succeed. It can be a project that brings people together for the common good.
MAJOR BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS BEING EXPLORED
By Brad Larson, Director
The Oshkosh Public Museum is considering modifications to its buildings. I would like to explain some of the reasons that are driving the proposed expansion and modification.
Having been located in the 1908 National Register Edgar Sawyer home since 1924, we are very proud of the existing museum facilities. But it is essential to recognize that the building was originally designed as a private residence. The addition of the Steiger Wing in 1983 enlarged our capacity and was adequate for museum functions of that time. However, like most American museums, we are now challenged to meet 21st century visitor expectations in facilities, exhibitions, and services.
Museums across America are working hard to reinvent themselves and transition to a new mode of operation. Even the nation's major museums considered cultural cornerstones are facing challenges and are evolving to meet new visitor expectations and the realities of the funding in the 21st century. American museums that have already met this challenge are doing very well. The primary challenge now facing the Oshkosh Public Museum is to remain a meaningful resource for future generations, and, to diversify our funding.
As it stands, our facility is unable to meet the most elementary functions associated with large numbers of visitors. Our lobby and restrooms are inadequate; we lack adequate space for programs and meetings. We have no loading dock, no freight elevator, insufficient storage space and no large, easily accessible temporary gallery. Our buildings are not energy efficient, do not meet all ADA and building codes, and some systems are approaching the end of their useful life. These shortcomings restrict the type of exhibitions we present, and that in turn limits the amount of revenue we can generate.
Our funding no longer comes exclusively from tax dollars; we are partly dependent on visitor admissions. Creating adequate facilities that enable us to offer exhibitions that will draw significant numbers of people from Oshkosh and beyond is crucial. The 2006 Titanic exhibition, although presented under less than ideal conditions, was incredibly successful and clearly demonstrated that the museum is an important factor in the economic vitality of the community.
The Museum Board hired Engberg Anderson Design Partners of Milwaukee, to work with us to develop a plan. Given the physical constraints of the site, it is apparent that this will be the last major modification to the museum, so we must think and act boldly. In early April, the Museum Board approved a conceptual idea that would create an exciting change encompassing about 25,000 square feet. The idea is being refined and more information will be available in early May.
How will this project be funded? This question cannot be answered until we know the scope of the project. At this point the Museum Board believes that construction funds must come from private citizens, corporations, and foundations.
It is clear that the museum can no longer be heavily dependent on tax levy dollars. To survive, prosper, and serve a new generation of citizens, the museum must evolve. The long-term solution is the creation of a major Endowment. As part of the 80th anniversary celebration in 2005, an Endowment was created at the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation. We anticipate that as the years go along, this will grow until it becomes a meaningful part of the museum's future.
The work of Engberg Anderson Design Partners will give Oshkosh a new, refocused public museum. Without change, the museum is unlikely to thrive in the 21st century. We invite your input and support as we make this transition.
