Storing approximately 5,500 pieces of art, the museum advocating for and showcasing women in the arts is housed in a 1907 historical building that was converted into the museum in 1983. A wing was added in 1997. Renovating both buildings, totaling 92,000 sq ft, the team updated the museum’s lobby, reception, event spaces, collections storage, library, offices, galleries, educational center, gift shop, conference rooms, performance hall and catering kitchen. Other work included mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire life safety systems; environmental separation of a four-story connecting stair between galleries; and upgrades to archives, rare book storage, conservation spaces and high-density filing.

Designed mechanical systems didn’t align with existing ceiling plenums and mechanical spaces due to variations in structural conditions, beam sizes and space limitations. To address the issue, multiple coordination teams from each trade deployed simultaneously on different floors.

Photo courtesy Grunley Construction Co.

During demolition, the team found that approximately 95% of the exterior wall plaster required abatement. These unforeseen site conditions forced a phased opening that delayed the planned April 2023 completion to December 2023. Nevertheless, the $52.4-million project finished below budget in about two years.