2008.09.18
Plans back on Brown house, still goal of LEED certification
The Salem Historical Society and friends gathered at the Brown house Monday, Sept. 15 to present detailed plans for the 9,600 sq. foot remodeling of the historic home and, of course, to help with fundraising efforts.
"Things have gone up since we began this process," John Long, the museum's director. The historical society has helped to raise and pledge the original price tag of $2.2 million, but the current bid that's up from G&H Contracting in Salem estimates the cost around $2.8 to $2.9 million.
Additions will still include a patio with a planted roof, a reception room, an art gallery and office space for the Salem Fine Arts Commission, as well as various "green" features that will pay back throughout the life of the museum.
"Not only is it a neat space, but it's also going to draw people into the museum," the project's architect, Jennifer Smith Lewis, co-owner of SmithLewis Architecture, said of the reception area. She assured the group that even though minor changes were going to be made to the original plans, they could still almost on a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. The firm designed the Claude Moore Education Complex in Northwest Roanoke, which is currently up for gold LEED certification.
-- Miranda Adkins
