ADA Capital Drive
at
Black River Academy Museum
Tower Reflections
As we look back, we are amazed at our audacity in taking on such a daunting project as a separate tower for an elevator and an essential second set of fire stairs. We realized that the future of the museum depended on our ability to use the building to its fullest extent. That necessitated a second egress from all floors, hence the fire stairs and an ability to provide access to those who could not navigate our stairways, hence, the elevator. An additional bonus is that the elevator will facilitate creating new displays and programs by using the elevator for heavier and bulkier displays. More displays and programs mean enticing more people to visit our museum, participation is the backbone of our museum, by members, visitors and general supporters.
After our star-gazed start, reality began to set in. The initial size of the tower needed to increase by 20% as we had to switch the placement of the elevator cab and the fire stairs due to sandy, unstable sub-soil. This increased the cost by about 20%, but we felt it was essential to proceed. Various “work order” changes, although each relatively small, added at least another $15,000. Problems with water leaks in the existing building, related to the tower’s connection, are also costing us more money. But the truly unexpected cost - $28,500 - is the fire protection upgrade mandated by becoming fully accessible.
We have been able to cover these added costs, but every penny takes away from the elevator cab itself. We have and are applying for all grants that are available to us. Unfortunately, our project does not qualify for any historical preservation grants, as it is new construction - even though we are preserving the integrity of our historic building, listed on the National Register. We have been fortunate to receive an $18,000 grant from Vermont Cultural Facilities Coalition and the State of Vermont, a $1000 grant from the Walter Cert Community Fund of the VT Community Foundation and two gifts, each $10,000, from the Town of Ludlow through the Enterprise Fund.
The soon to be completed fire protection upgrade will once again make the museum’s third floor open; prior to this, our third floor had been closed to visitors. Additionally, the second floor will be able to host many more guests attending various events and programs. We plan to take advantage of our new partial accessibility as we raise money for the elevator cab.
While we have whittled down the amount we need for the elevator and its electrical components, we are still looking to raise an additional $120,000. We are proud and a little anxious that we have taken on this major endeavor, enduring and persevering through a major economic downturn. We feel that the real long- term benefits easily outweigh the fund raising travails and will mean the continuance of the Black River Academy Museum and thus the history of the Black River Valley. Hopefully, our many programs with the local schools will foster an ongoing support from our grass roots and our history will be available to everyone, preserving and sustaining the dynamic history and evolution of the Black River area.
Please click the 'Donate' button below or send your contributions to:
BRAM
P. O. Box 73
Ludlow, VT 05149
Thank you,
Anita Alic
Chair, Capital Campaign Committee