CMA Plans Spring Launch for $38M Final Phase of Renovation

 By Adrian Maties, Associate Editor

The Columbus Museum of Art is getting ready to launch the $37.6 million final phase of its Art Matters renovation and expansion project. The institution presented plans for its new wing to the City of Columbus Downtown Commission on Jan. 22 and expects to start two years of construction in late spring.

Plans call for the renovation and expansion of the Ross Wing and the lobby that were added in 1974. The third phase will expand the current 96,000-square-foot complex by 50,000 square feet. On tap are a sculpture garden, restaurant, museum store and entrance. The project’s third phase is designed by the Columbus-based architecture firm DesignGroup. Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects of New York City developed the master plan.

“This is a defining moment for the Museum,” commented Nannette Maciejunes, CMA’s  executive director. “Moving forward with this project allows us to fulfill our promise to the community of continuing to create great art experiences for everyone. The Museum’s growth is a reflection of our community’s vision for the arts and culture in Columbus and the priority each of our donors places on supporting a thriving arts community.”

According to CMA’s website, it has secured $56 million in pledges through its Art Matters capital endowment campaign toward the project’s estimated $90 million cost.

In the project’s first phase, completed in Sept. 2009, the museum renovated Beaton Hall. Next, CMA’s historic Broad Street building was renovated. Renamed the Elizabeth M. and Richard M. Ross Building, that building reopened Jan. 2011. Both phases were both completed on time and on budget.

Rendering: The Columbus Museum of Art