Tempe History Museum Opening: part II

By Ron Davis, Principal, LEED AP

With all museum projects there are challenges, and with this project, a tight budget. It is to the team’s great credit that so much was accomplished; by ingenuity, necessity and fortunate timing– to have been funded by the city during booming times, and then building the project during a down economy.

But the biggest factor was the cooperation, collaboration and sense of common purpose of all those involved: Architect Phil Weddle and his team, General Contractor Brignall Construction, Exhibit fabricators Motif (now Icon) and the many specialists in their employ, the City of Tempe and most of all to the museum staff. They were responsible for the vision, thematic development, research and many aspects of the installation, in addition to de-mounting the old exhibits and artifacts.

In this profession, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the years (literally) of planning, discussion, cost cutting decisions, design, fabrication and installation culminate in a large crowd watching the ceremonial ribbon-cutting then entering the museum for the first time– filling up the exhibit hall to capacity!

Image: Gyroscope Inc.

Tempe History Museum Opens!

By Ron Davis, Principal, LEED A.P.
This past weekend was the opening celebrations for the Tempe History Museum in Arizona. This local history institution has been re-born after undergoing a near-total renovation of the architecture and completely a new set of exhibits. Gyroscope Inc., working with Weddle Gilmore Architects, was selected to help the museum re-imagine the existing facility: a re-purposed library building, last renovated in the early 80’s. 

What had been a dark interior with the original 1980’s exhibits was completely stripped back to the bones. Natural daylight was allowed to flow back in and illuminate the wide-open spaces of the existing structure and new entry addition.

Among the project goals were to create inviting spaces and experiences for all visitors, including families. The fabulous turnout for the opening day brought a full spectrum of these visitors; from kids in strollers to octogenarians. 

Some people recalled the former exhibits and remarked on the transformation, others were making their first visit, and will be back very soon. It was tremendously gratifying to see the response.

Image: Gyroscope Inc.