News

Capital Project Update, April 14, 2010
We are pleased to announce that the Pratt Museum is taking the next step in our capital project as
we near the conclusion of the conceptual design phase. The recent focus of the conceptual
process involved the Pratt looking at whether renovating the existing building or building a new one
would best serve community and Museum needs. For economic reasons and to best care for and
share our collections, the Board has decided to support the new construction option. Responding
to suggestions from the community, and recognizing that the existing building could serve other
purposes, the Board also directed staff to examine the feasibility of repurposing the existing
building. Primary reasons for the decision include:

Better conservation of and access to the collections. With a new building, collections
storage, conservation space, and exhibit space will be designed to museum industry
standards; we will gain more space through standard-height museum ceilings in addition
to the square footage.

Flexibility in operations and longer-term expansion potential to better serve the
community. Museums are more dynamic than they used to be: We can create a place
that responds to community needs with education and gathering spaces, use of new
technology, and the ability to grow.

Lower utility costs. The new construction option will be about 2,000 square feet less in area
than the renovated and expanded building option would be, to achieve the same design
goals, because of design efficiencies. New mechanical systems designed for the space
should result in more efficient energy use and smaller relative costs.

Longer overall building life. New construction is expected to last longer (50 years versus 30
years for renovation), resulting in a lower overall project cost.

The conceptual phase of the capital project will be wrapped up this Spring; we expect to begin
design later this year. This continues the process that was started nearly 10 years ago when the
need for major upgrades to the Museum was recognized. The next few years will be busy ones, as
we engage in the building design process and flesh out the plans for our 9.3-acre site. At the same
time, the leadership gift phase of the fundraising effort will continue. The goal is to begin
construction in 2014, depending on fundraising progress. Based on a 2009 fundraising feasibility
study, the Pratt is working with an $8.5 million budget. Of this amount, $1.7 million has already
been committed.

We encourage you to engage in this process and share your ideas and comments as we proceed.
Watch our website (www.prattmuseum.org) for updates and opportunities to participate as we
move through the exciting planning and design process ahead.

 

Capital Project Update, June 2009
The Pratt museum is preparing to embark on a new chapter of the institution's development.
 As we begin the expansion planning process, we are seeking input from the Homer community. The project has been conceived to marry site and building uses, conserve and protect the museum collections and enhance the visitor experience. The construction project will provide the Pratt Museum with a facility that better engages its community and visitors in gaining a broader understanding of the Kachemak Bay region.

More Information on the Project Links

Site Plan | The site concept design begins with the premise that the site could be a much stronger amenity and teaching tool, offering experiences as interesting as those inside the museum. One major site objective is to shift parking and other utilitarian functions to new locations, so the museum building is better “rooted” in its natural setting.

Building Plan | The concept design is currently being re-evaluated, and preliminary building plans will be posted here for review when they are complete.

More Information on the Project LINKS:

Pratt Museum Expansion Summary | A one page description of the features of the expansion plan.
Building Condition Report | A complete survey of the condition of the museum building.
2009 Executive Summary Report | Costs and implementation of the expansion plan.
Museum Exhibit Plan | Master exhibit plan that guides our future exhibit development.
Accessibility Survey 2006 | Assessment of the current handicap accessibility of museum facilities.

To read these documents, you'll need the Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Click the icon below to download.
pdf

The success of this process relies on broad community involvement. If this project is something you'd like to be involved in, please contact us.

Pratt Museum, Capital Campaign
3779 Bartlett Street
Homer, Alaska 99603
Phone: 907 235-8635
Fax: 907-235-2764
Michele Miller, Director Of Development | Email.

Renovation planning at the Pratt Museum is generously funded by the Patrons Of the Pratt Society, the federal Institue of Museum and Library Services, the Rasmuson Foundation and the Foraker Group Pre-development program.

 

Donate with funds from your Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend

The Pratt Museum is pleased to announce that we are part of the PFD Charitable Contributions Program for 2010. The Alaska Legislature passed a law in 2008 making this new way to give contributions for all Alaskans filing for their PFD on-line. We are excited about the opportunity that it provides all Alaskans to give to their favorite nonprofit organizations. This program provides a safe, secure and easy way to make a donation. By giving through this program, you join others to become an important force in bettering our communities and our state. For those of you who already give to the Pratt Museum, we appreciate your gifts and hope you will use this option to make an additional donation.

When you go on-line to sign up for your dividend, you will see the option called “The Gift of Giving.” Search for us by choosing Region (Judicial District 1) and then Pratt Museum.Click and follow the instructions to make a new donation, or an additional gift. At the same time, please take the extra step you will see after you make your donation to provide your contact information to us. We want to acknowledge and recognize your generous support, and this is the only way we will know it’s you making the gift. You can find more information about the program, including frequently asked questions at PickClickGive.org. Or you may call Michele Miller at 907-435-3343.

Museum Awarded Challenge Grant
The Pratt Museum was awarded a $750,000 challenge grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) in December 2009 to support its upcoming capital project. This prestigious grant requires the Museum to match the award amount on a 3 to 1 basis. To receive the entire award amount, the museum will need to raise $2.25 million from non-federal-government sources. The grant is to be used to expand, preserve, interpret and share the Pratt humanities collections through its capital project. The funds cannot be used to cover annual operations expenses (salaries, utility costs, or office supplies). The planned museum growth will provide for good stewardship of the Museum's collections, expand the research and conservation areas, complete Phase 2 of the Master Exhibit Plan, and improve educational programming for the 4,000 students that visit the Pratt each year. With the support of the community, private donors, local government agencies, and private foundations, we look forward to meeting this challenge and improving facilities and programming at the museum!

Quilt Raffleraffle09
The quilt raffle was a huge success. For the giant stocking, over 1,600 tickets were sold! Thanks to the Homer HIgh School Swing Choir, the Seaside Singers and Mary Epperson of Etude Studio and her piano students for providing songs and music during the event. The lucky quilt winners were Phyllis Kaufman of Homer, Polly Thiele, Port Graham, and Terry Martin in Ninilchik. Katrina Chase took home the giant socking. Have a great holiday!

 

 

 

 

The Ritz: November 7, 2009 - The Fabulous 50's
Thanks to all of you who help make the 2009 Ritz a big success. All funds raised during the Ritz will help the Pratt Museum continue to increase the diversity and quality of its exhibits and programs, helping individuals explore the science, art and cultures of the Kachemak Bay region, and fostering their lifelong curiosity.
ritz09

Summer 2009 Newsletter
If you didn't receive a copy of our newletter, you can download it here or stop by our office to pick up a copy.