$7 million Springfield art museum construction work begins with demolition

A crew from Marker Construction started demolishing the front section of the Springfield Museum of Art's old north wing Friday, April 28, 2023. The demolition is part $7 million renovation project that is expected to be complete by the end of the year. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

A crew from Marker Construction started demolishing the front section of the Springfield Museum of Art's old north wing Friday, April 28, 2023. The demolition is part $7 million renovation project that is expected to be complete by the end of the year. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

The biggest project in decades at the Springfield Museum of Art took a significant step forward Friday by tearing down part of the facility.

The museum will undergo a major renovation of the building’s original north wing. The work actually will reduce square footage, but the new space will be more usable, supporters said in March at a celebration to kick off the $7 million project.

Roughly 30 percent of the current 13,000 square feet of space will be eliminated, reducing operating costs by using less energy.

In the end, the project will result in three new multi-functional flexible studios for classes, workshops, meetings and community functions, all with outdoor access.

It also will double the size of the community gallery, offering more opportunities for local students and artists.

The event space will be at the front of the building and available for rent, allowing more community use.

Also doubling in size will be the entryway between the north wing and the rest of the museum space, creating better flow.

The portico, consider significant to the history of the building, will remain.

The north wing was built in 1967 with additions in 1973 and offered space for classes, a small gallery and events.

The projected reopening of the area is expected by the end of the year. However, galleries and exhibits will remain open for normal business during the renovations.

A crew from Marker construction started demolishing the front section of the Springfield Museum of Art's old north wing Friday, April 28, 2023. The demolition is part $7 million renovation project that projected to be complete by the end of the year. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

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Credit: Bill Lackey