BRENHAM HERITAGE MUSEUM FACES CHALLENGES WITH RENOVATION

  

The Brenham Heritage Museum is facing some challenges amidst a renovation that began in early August.

According to the Museum’s Executive Director, Doug Price, they are facing some “challenging growing pains” in connection with the restoration. As a result of spring flooding, the basement of the museum suffered extensive damage. Though none of the museum’s collections were directly affected, there was severe damage to the facility that needed to be addressed.

Prior to repair, an asbestos survey was performed. When asbestos was detected, asbestos abatement was mandated by law. The museum basement was rendered an empty shell after the successful removal of the asbestos.heritage2

Electrical and HVAC contractors were contacted to evaluate the now exposed A/C and electrical systems, and both were found to be grossly out of code. In order to continue the repair to the basement, the systems must be made code-compliant. Currently, the basement contains exposed live wires, and is off-limits to all staff.

Electrical and HVAC work is not covered by the Museum’s flood insurance. The museum must now face the daunting task of raising approximately $70,000 to rewire the facility. In addition to the rewiring, the Museum must also properly install the ductwork for the A/C unit.heritage

The October exhibition on the fashion and clothing of Brenham in 1843 will be delayed. However, the exhibit will be installed in the Brenham Bus Depot exhibition space (slated for completion in November). The large WWI exhibition, an international collaborative project commemorating the centennial of Central Texas contributions to the global conflict is unaffected, will open as scheduled on April 6, 2017. The Art of Al Souza, part of the ArtWalk and BrewStep events is similarly unaffected. The museum is still staffed, and is available by phone.

The museum is closed to visitation of any kind until renovation issues are resolved.

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2 Comments

  1. Isn’t this actually a City owned building and the Museum leases it from them? Why is it up to the Museum to do the electrical and A/C work if that’s the case? I haven’t leased or rented space much in my life but the times I did this certainly would not have been my responsibility financially speaking.

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