Construction Update

Dear Friends of the Museum:

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of the Museum of the Red River as we enter our third year of construction. Many of you have anxiously awaited its completion.

At first, we planned to be under construction for about a year. However, the project quickly expanded beyond its original goals. This, combined with supply-related delays, pushed our target date back several months. Our reopening date was moved again after Hurricane Harvey affected several of our suppliers. Recently, unseasonably rainy weather, combined with a strong flu season, delayed critical parts of construction. A new supply-related delay will set us back an additional 8 to 12 weeks. 

Each change or delay in construction adds up—especially in a complex project like ours. One “foul up” often affects several other parts of construction and can cause new scheduling issues. Delays also increase our overall costs. Our architects, Newcomb and Associates, AE and general contractor Routh Construction are mitigating some of these and I am extremely grateful. I’d also like to thank the Herron Foundation and the Idabel Museum Society, Inc., who have committed additional resources to this project when needed the most.   

Special thanks to Vickie Smith who, in addition to working as the Museum’s business manager, is serving as its construction manager. Her level-headedness has made this project go smoother than it might. The entire Museum staff is infinitely patient and supportive; I appreciate the extraordinary contributions they make every day. Finally, thanks to the community, especially those who have become “good friends of the Museum” and are generously providing resources to the Building Fund. 

So, when will the Museum “reopen”? The majority of its public spaces are already open. The Acrocanthosaurus Gallery and the Learning Center will reopen this summer. Construction will be completed this fall.  In the meantime, follow the Museum of the Red River on Facebook or Instagram (@motrr.idabel) for the latest updates. 

Once again, thank you for your support and patience. It is a privilege to be part of such a supportive community. 

Sincerely,

Henry Moy, The Quintus H. Herron Director

Workers from Routh Enterprises install rows of gypsum board, a weatherproof sheetrock that serves as the layer between an inside wall and an outside wall (November, 2017).
Workers from Routh Enterprises install rows of gypsum board, a weatherproof sheetrock that serves as the layer between an inside wall and an outside wall (November, 2017).
A contractor checks the building plans before placing decking sheets on the roof of the Museum’s new lobby (November, 2017).
A contractor checks the building plans before placing decking sheets on the roof of the Museum’s new lobby (November, 2017).
Kaleb Routh and Terry Johnson consult with one another before resuming work (October, 2017).
Kaleb Routh and Terry Johnson consult with one another before resuming work (October, 2017).
Terry Johnson bolts a support beam in place (October, 2017). Roughly 98% of all beam-work—the most time-intensive part of the project—has been completed.
Terry Johnson bolts a support beam in place (October, 2017). Roughly 98% of all beam-work—the most time-intensive part of the project—has been completed.
A contractor wields a support beam in the Museum's lobby (June, 2017).
A contractor wields a support beam in the Museum's lobby (June, 2017).
A worker puts the final touches on the new collections storage facility (March 2017).
A worker puts the final touches on the new collections storage facility (March 2017).
Workers "raising the roof" in the Museum's new Mary Bratton Curtis Gallery (January, 2017).
Workers "raising the roof" in the Museum's new Mary Bratton Curtis Gallery (January, 2017).
Members of construction enjoy a quick break before smoothing concrete (December, 2016.)
Members of construction enjoy a quick break before smoothing concrete (December, 2016.)
Contractors from Southwest Solutions Group working on the new collections facility (November, 2016). The new space doubled the Museum’s storage capacity.
Contractors from Southwest Solutions Group working on the new collections facility (November, 2016). The new space doubled the Museum’s storage capacity.
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