MUSEUM EXPANSION UPDATE

Bent Thomsen, Steering Committee

(Extracted from the January/February 2010 newsletter)

With all the snow on the ground and freezing temperatures, it is fortunate that we have a lot of inside work ahead of us.

An initial layer of foam insulation has been applied to exterior walls and ceilings inside the boiler plant and the new connecting wing. State-of-the-art closed cell spray-on foam was used for this application. Beside having superior insulation value, this material also functions as a moisture- and air-barrier and provides us with a very energy-efficient building. A Skaneateles contractor, Andy Buff LLC, specializes in spray-on foam technology and submitted the winning bid.

Work will now proceed to install electrical wiring throughout the buildings to accommodate lighting, heating ,air-conditioning and humidification. At the same time the boiler will be installed in the utility room so that we can activate the radiant floor heating system already in place. The insulation work will than be finalized through installation of conventional fiberglass insulation against, the foam layer.

The next step will be the installation of the suspended metal mezzanine along the north wall of the boiler plant. Quotes for that work are in and being evaluated. After the mezzanine is in place, work can proceed to totally finish the boiler plant, and we will be ready to receive the boats that will be displayed there. We are finalizing the details of the boat exhibits.

Concurrent with the work in the new buildings, we will complete some of the renovations in the existing Creamery, and we will again be looking for volunteers to help with the finishing paintwork. Please call if you have the time,to help us out.