MEDIA RELEASE
September 28, 2012
Media Contact: Lisa Terry, Public Relations and Communications Manager, 253.272.4258 x3047, LTerry@TacomaArtMuseum.org
TACOMA ART MUSEUM SELECTS SELLEN CONSTRUCTION AS
GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR FOR EXPANSION PROJECT SET TO OPEN IN 2014
TACOMA, WA – Tacoma Art Museum’s Board of Trustees has selected Sellen Construction as the general contractor to oversee the construction of the museum’s 15,000 square foot expansion, which includes the new Haub Galleries and plaza re-design. The Haub Galleries will house works of Western American art gifted to the museum by Erivan and Helga Haub announced earlier this year. Groundbreaking for the new wing is scheduled for Early Summer 2013 with building opening date scheduled for Spring/Summer 2014.
“We are pleased to announce our decision to select Sellen Construction as our general contractor, with their strong track record of museum construction and proven successes in enhancing Northwest communities with first rate, sustainable, and well-made buildings,” said Kathy McGoldrick, President of Tacoma Art Museum’s Board of Trustees. “We look forward to collaborating with this firm in creating a new chapter for Tacoma Art Museum’s collection and its visitors, and the vibrancy it will bring to downtown.”
The expansion project will strengthen the museum’s presence and enhance its visibility on Pacific Avenue. It will double the museum’s gallery space, improve access from the parking area, provide opportunities for public art, enhance the museum’s lobby space, and provide larger interior event and public gathering opportunities.
Sellen Construction is the largest locally owned commercial construction firm in the Northwest with more than 80 employees residing in Tacoma and the surrounding area, and has a long-running history of continuous work in Tacoma and Pierce County. Sellen has a proven dedication to collaboration, technology, sustainability, and innovation in their field, and has partnered with many arts and non-profit organizations to build projects including the Museum of History and Industry, Bellevue Art Museum, Museum of Flight, Seattle Art Museum, Olympic Sculpture Park, Thomas Burke Memorial Washington State Museum, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Campus and Visitor Center.
“On behalf of all of us at Sellen, we are thrilled to embark on a partnership with Tacoma Art Museum, the architects at Olson Kundig Architects, and area subcontractors to create a space that will expand the presence of the arts in downtown Tacoma,” said Scott Redman, President of Sellen Construction.
The new wing will be designed by award-winning architect Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects. This will be Tom Kundig's first completed museum project, set to open in 2014.
Architectural firm Olson Kundig Architects' work encompasses museums, commercial, and mixed-use design, exhibit design, interior design, places of worship, and residences, often for art collectors. Kundig is the recipient of numerous awards including a National Design Award in Architecture from the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, and an Academy Award in Architecture from the American Academy of Arts & Letters. Olson Kundig Architects received the 2009 National AIA Architecture Firm Award (as Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects) and has twice been named one of the Top Ten Most Innovative Companies in Architecture by Fast Company.
Construction will involve all major building trades. The museum and project team are committed to pursuing broad participation from qualified Tacoma area subcontractors. The Haub Galleries will also offer Tacoma Art Museum an opportunity to expand its staff by nearly 20% to better serve its visitors and maintain the expanded facility.
Tacoma Art Museum will remain open to the public throughout the construction period.
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HOURS – Wednesday–Sunday 10 am–5 pm, Thursday 10 am–8 pm (admission by donation after 5 pm)
ADMISSION – Adult $10, Student/Military/Senior (65+) $8, Family $25 (2 adults and up to 4 children under 18). Children 5 and under free. Third Thursdays free from 5-8 pm. Members always free.
CONTACT – 253.272.4258, www.TacomaArtMuseum.org, info@TacomaArtMuseum.org
