PRATT MUSEUM

established in 1968

Capital Update – August 2016

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Because of the current economic situation in Alaska, the Board thinks it is in the best interest of the Museum to extend the project timeline until the economic climate improves. Work on the project will continue with existing funds. The design and construction documents will be completed this summer, and updated drawings will be posted when they are available. To take advantage of the competitive construction environment, we plan to complete the site work as soon as possible. We expect to prepare the building site, move the shop, add parking, and create a connection to Spruceview Avenue. We will keep you informed of the progress on the project as we move forward.

If you have any questions, please contact the board of directors via office@prattmuseum.org. We thank all of our donors and supporters for your generous gifts to the Museum, and we hope that you will continue to support our important work in the future.

Pratt Museum Campus Increases

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Donation Allows Purchase of Land to Pioneer Avenue

Grounds trailmap 2016The Pratt Museum is pleased to announce that, thanks to a benevolent anonymous donor, its 9.8 acres of wooded property has increased to over 10 acres. A generous financial gift was presented to the museum in December 2015, and the property was purchased soon thereafter.

Situated between the Legislative Information Office and Hopped Up Espresso, this new addition connects the Pratt’s grounds directly to Pioneer Avenue. To honor Woodard Creek and extend its trail system, the Pratt will work to pull a crew together to build a trail extension down to Pioneer Avenue along the creek, which flows through the property.

If you’d like to sign up to help with trail work this spring, please email to office@prattmuseum.org, stop by the front desk, or call the Pratt Museum at 235-8635.

Capital Update – August 2015

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This month was a busy one for building design. A two-day workshop with the architects, engineers, building committee and staff was held to discuss systems for managing temperature and humidity (a very important consideration for collections care and conservation), lighting, flooring, ceiling forms and dozens of other structural and functional considerations.

Work on design details will continue through the fall, and the capital campaign continues with staff and committee members meeting with prospective major donors and foundation funders.

Capital Update – June 2015

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Just in: Updated Renderings of the Building Exterior, Floor Plan, and Site!

Over the past few months, Pratt project architects, engineers and staff have been developing the new building design and site plan.

One change to the previous schematic design includes the location of air handling systems, creating a new roof line. Tweaks have also been made to remove the need for pillars in the main gallery and gain more overhead space for the gray whale. To better account for existing slopes and handicapped access, the Phase 1 Site Plan has been modified.

Design Development will be completed in early August, and construction drawings will be completed in the fall. We will be shovel-ready by the end of the year!

Substantive planning work on aquaria and exhibit design is in the works and we’ll have some exciting drawings to show off very soon! Exhibit design will continue through 2016.

Fundraising also continues. We expect the State’s budget situation will delay the construction timeline. We are working on other sources of funding in lieu of the remaining piece of the State appropriation that was originally requested.