Crystal Bridges Museum of Art Begins Site Work
September 6, 2006 – 3:17 am
Preconstruction and Design Development Phases Conclude
BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 6, 2006 – After nearly a year of preconstruction and design preparations, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is ready to begin extensive site work. According to Bob Workman, executive director, a variety of activities are scheduled over the next several months that will help prepare the seven-acre building complex for the foundation work to begin during spring 2007.
“We have made significant progress since last October when we hired Nabholz Construction and LINBECK as joint venture partners to handle preconstruction services,” said Workman. “We are on schedule to move forward with site grading and utilities work completion by year’s end as well.”
The two companies worked closely with world renowned, Boston-based architect Moshe Safdie, who created the concept for the museum’s building design. Founded by Alice Walton, Crystal Bridges is envisioned as a premier national art institution dedicated to American art and artists. It takes its name from this unique design, which features a generous amount of glass and wood as well as two unique bridge structures housing galleries and public spaces that span a spring-fed ravine and form two great ponds on site. The complex will be a significant architectural achievement that reflects its beautiful natural setting and creates an environment worthy of the masterworks Walton is assembling for permanent public display and enjoyment.
The design development phase established the final footprint of all the buildings that make up the museum and cultural center complex. Construction documents are also under way and will be completed by year-end 2006.
Site work will unfold in several phases through the next several months and will include the following activities:
- Grading and utilities site work;
- Excavation of dirt and rock, which will be handled with controlled blasting;
- Processing of rock to be re-used as building backfill and road base;
- Milling of hardwoods for re-use in the buildings or for other museum-related projects;
- Establishment of a construction work area west of the intersection of NE J Street and John DeShields Boulevard to include contractor and sub-contractor office trailers, worker parking and other temporary needs; and
- Installation of all utilities.
Due to the extensive woodlands surrounding the 100-acre site, noise impact is expected to be minimal, added Workman. In addition, because of the project’s plans to re-use most materials excavated from the site, truck traffic during the phase will be greatly reduced.
About Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Crystal Bridges is envisioned as a premier national art institution dedicated to American art and artists, learning and community gatherings. The museum takes its name from the unique glass-and-wood building design, created for the natural setting by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie. The entire complex will encompass approximately 100,000 square feet of gallery, library, meeting, and office space, a 250-seat auditorium, areas for outdoor concerts and public events, gallery rooms suitable for large receptions, as well as sculpture gardens and walking trails.
The museum will house a permanent collection of masterworks from American artists along with galleries dedicated to Native American and regional art and artists. The growing permanent collection includes paintings and sculptures by American artists from the Colonial period through the modern era and will be highlighted by numerous notable paintings, including: Gilbert Stuart’s George Washington (The Constable-Hamilton Portrait); portraitist Charles Willson Peale’s 18th century painting of a confident George Washington completed near the end of the Revolutionary War; and Hudson River School masterwork Kindred Spirits by Asher B. Durand. Other announced artists and works represented include Charles Bird King’s early 19th century portraits of American Indian leaders; and Winslow Homer’s depictions of the interplay between man and nature.
In addition to the permanent collection, temporary exhibitions drawn from national institutions will be displayed in the museum.
The 100-acre site of the museum complex and cultural center is located in Bentonville, Ark., just blocks from the town square. The project is scheduled to open to 2009. For more information about Crystal Bridges, visitwww.crystalbridges.org.
