Current construction on Chapel Avenue is in preparation for an extensive renovation and addition to the Addison Gallery of American Art to begin on July 31. Michael Williams, Director of Facilities, said that the construction in progress is to repair “…an old steam line that was broken and fixed temporarily a few years ago. The steam line needs to be replaced before construction on the Addison begins.” Brian Allen, Director of the Addison, explained in an email that the construction is being conducted now because the Addison’s renovations also require work on Chapel Avenue. Renovations to the Charles Platt building will include better access for the disabled, along with new lighting, heating, air conditioning, humidity control and electrical systems. According to Allen, once the contractor takes over the Addison project on July 31, work will begin “in earnest.” Although the school has not signed a contractor yet, Williams said, “We are very close to signing with Shawmut Design and Construction.” Allen continued that everything is currently running according to schedule, and the Addison expects to be reopened by the spring of 2010. The Addison will also add an education learning center for easier access to art, as well as a loading dock, new preparation space, new storage and new offices. Meanwhile, Allen wrote that the staff of the Addison still has an “immense” amount of work to do. The Addison is working on six “self-organized” shows to present at the reopening in 2010. Some of these shows will travel before the reopening. Allen added that during construction, other staff members plan to take sabbaticals to earn advanced degrees. Williams said that while the construction is underway, most of the Addison’s staff will relocate to Abbot Hall on Abbot Campus. “That space has been long maintained for the visiting artist program. It will serve as temporary quarters. Some programs will still be operating to a degree, such as outreach to schools, except staff will go off to schools, instead of students coming to campus,” said Williams.
