We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
Durward Sobek, an architect representing Space Planning for People located in Billings, recently completed an architectural assessment of the Blaine County Museum building. The assessment includes costs of renovating the existing facility versus costs to relocate or build a new facility. Museum Director Samantha French seeks feedback from the community to gauge their interest regarding these options.
French reported that the assessment recommends building a new facility, which will take likely take years of planning and finding funding. "The commissioners have asked me to share news of this assessment with the community. Our current building has been decaying slowly for decades, and we all agree that the museum will benefit from public interest and concern. Regardless of the solution we choose, be it renovating or rebuilding, we'll need to fundraise and garner community support," she stated. "This is the people's museum; we need input to determine the direction the people want to see us take."
To collect this information, French hopes to schedule a public meeting before the year ends. During this meeting, she would make a presentation of Sobek's architectural assessment and collect public opinion and commentary. Until then, French encourages county residents to speak with their commissioners to make their thoughts known or to stop by the Blaine County Museum (BCM) to read the preliminary assessment. Interested individuals can also obtain information by calling (357-2590) or emailing (blmuseum@itstriangle.com) French with questions.
The building that currently houses the BCM was originally constructed in 1915. Then known as Griffin Hall, it served as a recreation and community center. According to French, in the 1920s, the basement was comprised of cold storage lockers which people rented prior to the availability of home freezers. From the 30s to the 60s, the structure served as home to a grocery store and eventually an auto parts business.
"Although it is not on the historical registry-since nothing about it speaks to its original purpose nor does it showcase any architectural uniqueness-this building has enjoyed a long life. Since its original construction date, it has been consistently in use," French explained.
Given its advancing years, the building is visibly decaying. The basement floor and the foundation are both cracking, and much of the sheetrock has experienced saturation after several water encroachment issues. "We have managed the humidity with fans and charcoal briquettes and used sump pumps to keep the water out, but the moisture and the mold are posing a threat to our collections. Because some of the photo archives are at risk, we have begun moving them off-site," French said.
Besides its advancing age, other issues with the building are its handicap inaccessibility, its energy inefficiency, and its limited space for multipurpose uses. For example, the "Hear Me, My Chiefs" presentation had to be held off-site in order to accommodate the 80+ people who gathered to hear Terry Ball and LeRoy Seth speak.
Space Planning projected a price tag of $1,155,000 ± to upgrade the existing facility. That construction budget includes provisions for reconfiguring both the main floor and the basement; installing fire exits, sprinklers, and an elevator; performing other accessibility upgrades; adding a weather vestibule; upgrading the lighting as well as the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems; and addressing basement water resistance, which would involve repairing the foundation and installing a perimeter drain.
"Many of these upgrades would address safety, accessibility, and energy efficiency, although there are also some cosmetic and structural repairs involved," French explained.
With a large repair bill looming, the Museum Board began to consider other options, including relocation. They have explored existing buildings, but those available pose similar challenges with age, limited space, and no potential for growth or expansion.
Without a suitable current structure, the Board began to consider a new building. Because the county already owns property on the north end of the Blaine County Fairgrounds and adjacent to US Highway 2, that location has been considered for new construction.
"We approached the Fair Board about that possibility, and we were encouraged by their welcoming attitude. This is already County property, so there would be no cost for property purchase, and with our museum located on the highway corridor, we would garner maximum visitation with visibility and easy access," French reported.
A building of about the same size with one floor at grade level can be realized for an estimated investment of $2,500,000±, according to Space Planning's estimate. In addition to maximizing facility longevity and ensuring that all current International Building Code (IBC) conditions, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and energy codes are met, constructing a new facility has other advantages. These include flexibility and efficiency for internal exhibits, significant savings in utility costs, and available property for future expansion-including an opportunity for outdoor pioneer venues.
"This recommended option will allow a fresh approach for collection experience and educational objectives. In addition, the prime location offers maximum visibility for locals as well as those visiting the area; a decisive factor is effecting the local economy," Sobek wrote in his assessment report.
"This is a big moment for the future of the museum. It can be whatever the people want. We need to gauge the community's interest about whether we should continue to use the existing building or whether they would like to see the museum grow and develop into something different."
With added space, French believes that the BCM can begin to receive travelling exhibits. These rotating exhibits give visitors a reason to keep coming to the museum.
"A new facility makes the most sense in the long term since it means so much potential for growth. For example, I have seen some curated art history displays that are thought-provoking and inspiring. We could also enhance our exhibit for the Bear Paw Battlefield, turning it into a world-class exhibition. If we lean into that opportunity, we may have access to obtain grant funding, as well," French said.
About the proposed design, Sobek stated, "The primary purpose of the built environment around us is to meet human needs. A successful project will result in good relationships, as well as a building that is inviting to enter and a genuine pleasure to use-reflecting the care invested in it."
French added: "With this endeavor, we have potential for job creation to boost the post-pandemic economy. This is a huge project, and any new ideas are welcome."
