March 29, 2006
Plans for New Museum Draw Public Interest

Thirty interested people gathered at the Cable Natural History Museum March 23 to view the Museum’s plans for a new facility at its property on County Highway M in Cable. The evening began with Board Chair Ron Anderson welcoming guests and introducing board members and staff present. Blake Bichanich of Blake & Associates, the architectural firm designing the building, was on hand to present the plans and answer questions.

The Museum operated out of its facility in Cable for nearly 37 years when it experienced roof failure last spring. Plans for a new building were already in progress but the leaking roof caused an acceleration in the project timetable. Because of the extent of water and structural damage, last spring the Cable Natural History Museum temporarily moved to the corner of Kavanaugh and Spruce Streets (43570 Kavanaugh St.) in Cable. The original building currently is not being used, and will be removed when new construction begins.

The new, one-story facility will integrate the environment, architecture and landscaping to create a multi-functional and educational structure. The concept of the design is that it building appears to be rising up out of the earth, with the roof imitating the tree canopy. The building will house collections and exhibits, an educational classroom, administrative offices, a workshop/storage area and the Museum gift shop.

Energy efficient elements such as earthen berms, geothermal heating and cooling and orientation to the sun were discussed as well as the use of natural and recycled materials, climate control for collection storage, and a rainwater collection system. The possibility of a small number of parking spaces was also discussed.

The Museum project is still in the planning stages and the project has not been bid out at this time. A capital campaign will begin on Memorial Day weekend to raise money for the project. For more information, please contact The Cable Natural History Museum at 715-798-3890 or info@cablemuseum.org.