Mark your calendars for the next design workshop with the architects, which is planned for November 14th, from 5 to 6:30pm. At this workshop, the architects will lead us through an exploration of the relationship of spaces within the building to each other and to the site.
After deliberating for over a year and a half, the Pratt’s Board of Directors has decided to proceed with design of the new building and site without the existing museum building. This was an extremely difficult decision for the Board to make: Many folks within our community have historical and emotional ties to the existing building, and this building has been well-used and well-loved for a long time.
The primary reason for the capital project is to improve the Pratt’s ability to meet its mission to care for collections and help bring the stories of our history and place to our community, visitors and the next generation. The Board’s decision on the existing building took into account factors including financial sustainability, site utilization including the amount of area needed for parking, and operational efficiency.
Some of the features that are most popular will inform the design of the new building. Community members have provided guidance for the architects with a recent style exercise, identifying exteriors and interiors of buildings that are appealing to them.
We will continue to look to the community, over the next few years of planning and work, to provide additional ideas for ways to recycle and reuse building materials. One idea is to place the boat display structure on the site of the original building so the foundation can be re-used. We will consider this and other ideas as we move forward. The Board and staff wish to honor the current building and all those people who worked so hard over the past several decades to make this community’s museum so highly-regarded.
Thank you to everyone who provided input through community meetings or talking with Board or staff individually.