Martha Wren Briggs Center for The Visual Arts: Construction Update, Spring 2024

Substantial progress was made over the past few months in the construction of the Martha Wren Briggs Center for the Visual Arts, the future home of the Muscarelle Museum of Art. After many years of planning and time spent laying the groundwork for the new building, the erection of the steel frame for the new wing came together quickly in October and November.

A topping-out ceremony was held in the last week of November in celebration of the placement of the final steel beam for the expansion project, a rite of passage for any construction effort. With the steel in place, the “conceptual plan” became real, and the shape of the building was visible to all.

After completing the steel frame, the construction team poured concrete floors on all three levels. Installation of the roof is underway, and exterior walls will be constructed by early spring. Installation of electrical and plumbing infrastructure has started, and will move toward completion once exterior walls have been completed and interior walls are roughed-in. Finishing the interior buildout and the exterior skin of the building will take place from late spring through early fall, with an expected completion date in mid-fall.

The project continues to be on-schedule and on-budget, and the entire effort will be fully funded by private donations. We continue to make progress toward our fundraising goal, and with the support of generous donors have achieved 87% of our objective. We thank all who have contributed to this important project!