Highlights Archives
Madeline Island Historical Museum Expands
Madeline Island Historical Museum just got a whole lot bigger. A major project to relocate the museum from its original foundation, build a new wing that connects it to the Capser Center exhibit facility, and to greatly expand the area inside the museum's stockade fence for museum programming is now complete. In 1998 museum staff discovered the existing foundation did not provide adequate support, leading the building to shift on its foundation. Planning began the following year on design and construction of a new foundation at the original location. Planners quickly realized, however, that a more sound option would be to move the museum farther back onto a new foundation, thereby creating far more green space within the museum's courtyard for use in museum programs and special events. The revised plan also ensured that the building would only have to move once, from its original location to its new foundation, thus mitigating the stress that would have occurred if the building were moved twice.
As planning progressed, other facility and health-and-safety issues were identified and rolled into the building project. A connecting wing would tie the Capser Center to the original museum and contain significantly larger restrooms. The new wing would include gallery space and an exit to the museum grounds in the form of a deck and ramp. In addition, all heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems would be replaced or updated throughout the complex. The state Building Commission approved the project in the 2002-03 fiscal year, providing funding not to exceed $500,000. Construction began in the spring of 2004 and continued through the winter. The facility was completed in June 2005.
On July 4, the museum's traditional Independence Day festivities served as the occasion for a community open house. The connecting wing has been furnished with wicker chairs and end tables, providing a welcome resting place for visitors. It also offers a fine view of the La Pointe harbor and docks, as well as the enlarged museum grounds.
:: Posted August 8, 2005
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