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Is the proposed space actually the parking garage proper or a retail space under the parking garage? It seems that would change the response a bit.

Candace Perrya

From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of jerry.symonds
Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 12:58 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] museums and parking garages

Dear Samuel,

Much of my working life is spent in risk assessment so apologies if I sound the “Grim Reaper” here as I am also a keen advocate for museum presence in city centres! Some things to ponder before you take this any further, and very much echoing what Richard is saying:

If your education remit is going to include Children then the traffic movement around the space could be high-risk. No one wants to get involved in litigation after some dreadful accident.

Exhibition-wise, I can imagine your conservators and prospective lenders asking all kinds of questions about (just off the top of my head) vibration from the car park areas above, risk of flooding, oil leaks through the upper floors and exhaust emissions coming on through any ventilation ducts!

I have never been to Portland, so my next comment is completely generic and could apply to any city centre: assuming the car park is open 24/7 will this mean a higher than average level of security needed to protect the exhibition area in high value artefacts are to be left there overnight, vis a vis opportunist vandalism?

But hey, I commend you for creative thought here!

Best Wishes,

Jerry Symonds – Senior Internal Auditor

Historic Royal Palaces

Hampton Court Palace

Surrey

England

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Richard Fields
Sent: 19 July 2011 17:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [MUSEUM-L] museums and parking garages

Are you proposing moving into vacant, unfinished floorspace in an existing parking structure in downtown Portland? If so, this could be a positive move as long as you consider the constraints of the facility, and the issues that may come along with the site. While being in the core area is great for access, my experience with Portland parking garages tells me that you will acquire some issues along with the space. Vehicular traffic into and out of the garage will create conflicts with your visitors as they try to navigate the sidewalk to get to the facility. Depending where you are in the core downtown area, the sidewalk area may be frequently occupied by people that many visitors may feel uncomfortable around. If you are directly by a Max stop or bus area, there will be periods of frequent congestion.

If you can plan ahead for the above situations, a presence in the downtown area will increase your museums visibility greatly. Downtown Portland is one of the most vibrant cities I have experienced, and it can present a great opportunity. My last caution is to make sure that your foray into the space does not take away efforts from your home museum. Many efforts at expanding, when undertaken poorly, result in contraction. Good luck.

From: Sam Shogren <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Sent: Tue, July 19, 2011 1:51:32 AM
Subject: museums and parking garages

We are looking to expand into a more public and centrally located space through either a public or private partnership. A board member has proposed unfinished retail space that is the ground floor of a 7 story parking garage located near a downtown core that includes a light rail stop. Would you open a new exhibition and education space there?

Samuel W. Shogren, MPA, LEAD Associate
Executive Director
Washington County Museum
17677 NW Springville Road | Portland, Oregon 97229
Bus: 503.645.5383 | Fax 503.645.5650 | Mobile 503.504.0770
www.washingtoncountymuseum.org

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