Littleton approves design contract to reimagine museum’s history gallery after community engagement
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Summary
Council approved a contract with Studio Tectonic to lead schematic and design development for a top‑to‑bottom revision of the Littleton Museum history gallery — the first full redesign in 22 years — guided by community input and a focus on untold stories and accessibility.
The Littleton City Council voted unanimously on May 20 to approve a design contract with Studio Tectonic LLC for schematic and design development of a major renovation to the Littleton Museum’s history gallery.
Why it matters: the project will refresh the museum’s primary gallery — last overhauled two decades ago — with new storytelling, hands‑on elements and expanded representation of under‑told local histories. Museum leaders said the plan will keep traditional histories while adding community‑identified topics and accessibility features.
What council approved: the contract funds the next design phases (schematic and design development) and follows a 2024 concept master plan and multiple rounds of community engagement. Tim Namm, museum director, said the gallery redo includes timeline ‘‘towers,’’ thematic nodes such as the South Platte River and interactive elements intended for broad age ranges and accessibility.
Funding and schedule: staff said a local private grant covers part of the design phase, and museum impact fees will fund the balance of design and the construction phase. Design work is scheduled for 2025–26, with a tentative build in 2027 and a goal to reopen the gallery in late 2027; final dates depend on funding availability and supply‑chain considerations.
Community and content: Studio Tectonic presented concept sketches that link Littleton’s deep artifact collection (the museum holds about 60,000 objects) with experiential exhibits. The museum plans continued outreach to under‑represented neighborhoods and stakeholder groups to shape narratives and rotating content.
Council comment: members praised the plan’s emphasis on children’s engagement and storytelling. Councilmember Eckerd highlighted the museum’s role in community identity; Mayor Pro Tem and others noted the project’s potential as a long‑term quality‑of‑life asset.
Next steps: staff will proceed through schematic design and further community engagement, then return to council as the project moves into final design and construction procurement. Council approved the resolution to authorize the design contract.