WEST BEND, WI November 13, 2009---- For Immediate Release----The Museum of Wisconsin
Art is pleased to announce new developments regarding their plan for a new building.
Five years ago initial plans for a new building were announced to the public and
over the following years there have been numerous site and building options proposed.
This has been a long journey interrupted by an unforeseen economic crisis which
forced MWA to re-evaluate its plans last year. The MWA has had the help and support
from all of its members, donors, Board of Directors, Site Selection Committee, Irgens
Development and the West Bend Community. In making the announcement today, Executive
Director Tom Lidtke said “The Museum will provide the greater Milwaukee area and
all of Wisconsin with a new cultural venue. It will be the first and only institution
to tell the comprehensive story of art in Wisconsin, both historic and contemporary.”
The site chosen is a parcel of land along the Milwaukee River just south of Highway
33. This site will be brought before the West Bend City Council for consideration
on Monday night, November 16. This section of land is bordered by the Milwaukee
River to the west, Highway 33 to the North, the Eisenbahm Trail to the east and
finally to the South lies the Ozaukee/Washington Land Trust offices. Downtown West
Bend’s Main Street is connected to this land by three pedestrian bridges that span
the Milwaukee River. MWA Board Member and MWA Site Selection Committee member Prudence
Pick Hway notes,” This will surely create a boon for West Bend’s Main Street economics.
This is a win-win for the city and will significantly add to the revitalization
[of the downtown]”.
Initially the Museum looked at rehabilitating its present facility on the corner
of 6th and Poplar in the West Bend’s Cultural District. The plan was difficult,
expensive and would not have solved all of the museum’s current issues. The MWA
then looked at several options including existing buildings and a new building at
the current location; this last plan launched the capital campaign. Last year, the
economic downturn forced MWA to look at different options for the building.
One thing that has never changed throughout this process is the need for a new building.
The Museum’s mission fulfills a critical need within the arts community statewide.
A new facility will be an important tool in furthering the Museum’s mission to collect,
conserve, document and exhibit Wisconsin Art. In addition, construction on a different
site minimizes disruption in programming during the building phase and allows MWA
to apply proceeds from the sale of the existing building and demolition cost savings
to the new architectural plan.
Building a new museum as opposed to revamping the current structure, “will ensure
seamless service to the community,” states Joan Rudnitzki, Director of Development.
Seeking an alternative building site also preserves the current building that was
built in the 1930s as the second home of West Bend Mutual Insurance and has become
a beloved landmark in the city.