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 aims to 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 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 architect Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architects. This will be Kundig’s first completed museum project, set to open in 2014.
Tacoma Art Museum will remain open to the public throughout the construction period.
