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AGMA: DC Historic Preservation Review Board Approves Genocide Museum

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  • AGMA: DC Historic Preservation Review Board Approves Genocide Museum

    PRESS RELEASE
    March 28, 2008
    CONTACT: Rouben Adalian
    Phone: (202) 383-9009
    E-mail: [email protected]
    Web: www.armeniangenocidemuseum.org



    DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HISTORIC PRESERVATION REVIEW BOARD APPROVES
    ARMENIAN GENOCIDE MUSEUM OF AMERICA PROPOSAL
    Planners complimented on imaginative use of historic building

    In a public hearing convened on March 27, the Historic Preservation
    Review Board (HPRB), which is charged with responsibility for the
    protection, enhancement and perpetuation of properties of historical,
    cultural and aesthetic merit in the District of Columbia, in a
    unanimous vote gave concept approval for the Armenian Genocide Museum
    of America (AGMA). The plans call for restoring the exterior of the
    historical bank building, modifying the interior to accommodate the
    museum exhibits, and building a new glass structure next to the
    historic bank, which will be surfaced with native Armenian stone to
    complement the bank building.

    HPRB Chairman Tersh Boasberg complimented AGMA and its team for their
    care in developing a project, "that's what historic preservation is
    all about," adding that AGMA's plans for the structure to deal with
    the Armenian Genocide were "exciting."

    Van Krikorian, chairman of the museum building and operations
    committee, opened by thanking HPRB members for the interest they have
    taken in the project. He stated that AGMA is excited about the
    project, and is moving forward with special "sensitivity to the
    history of the building," and stressed that AGMA wanted to preserve
    the historical building in which it will be housed, especially
    considering our experience from the Genocide and Armenians' own
    sensitivity to preserving important historical structures. He thanked
    the HPRB and those who had contributed for their involvement and
    assistance.

    Upon hearing principal architect Gary Martinez present in detail the
    proposed museum and the restoration plans for the former bank building
    located two blocks from the White House, HPRB also commended AGMA for
    the team assembled to create what it described as a "highly
    imaginative project." HPRB described the museum plans as "dramatic"
    use of the historically-designated building. Details of some sensitive
    interior issues remain to be worked out as the development progresses,
    and AGMA indicated its flexibility in working with the HPRB in that
    process. HPRB Commission members and staff had several questions and
    constructive comments.

    Earlier in the week, the AGMA planning team made presentations to the
    DC Preservation League and the Advisory Neighborhood Committee's
    Community Development Committee (ANC-CDC). The DC Preservation League,
    a community-based organization, strongly endorsed the project and its
    representative Patrick Burkhardt called the proposal to locate a
    museum in the historic building a "textbook marriage." The ANC-CDC
    also endorsed the project.

    Following the unanimous vote, Krikorian again thanked the HPRB, the
    AGMA staff, architects, exhibit planners, and project managers, adding
    "this is a great day for all of us committed to opening a first class
    Armenian Genocide Museum in Washington." HPRB Chairman Boasberg closed
    the hearing by saying that the Armenian Genocide Museum project will
    "add to the kind of vitality that historic preservation can provide"
    in the heart of downtown Washington, with a benefit for the District
    of Columbia as well as national and international audiences.

    The former National Bank of Washington has interior and exterior
    designations on the National Register of Historic Places. Only a
    dozen privately-owned structures in the capital city have such a high
    level of historic designation. The bank building is slated for
    complete restoration and renovation, as well as application as the
    exhibit space for AGMA. HPRB concept approval and enlistment of local
    community support registered two certified milestones in opening the
    museum on schedule.

    HPRB commissioners are appointed by the mayor of the District of
    Columbia. The presentation they heard was prepared by the firm of
    Martinez & Johnson Architecture, whose talents and experience in
    rehabilitating especially ornate historic buildings was noted. The
    architectural team was supported by representatives from Gallagher &
    Associates contracted by AGMA as its exhibit design firm, the Armenian
    National Institute serving as the research arm of the museum project,
    and by the project management firm of Regan Associates.

    Martinez & Johnson Architecture and Gallagher & Associates have been
    working on the development of the museum project since mid-2007.
    Regan Associates joined the planning team in February of this year.
    Among several museum and other projects led by the firm, most recently
    Regan Associates completed the Orientation Center, Education Center,
    and Museum at Mount Vernon Estates, the home of President George
    Washington.


    NR#2008-01

    From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
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