Council approves $6M repair plan plus relocation budget after experts find widespread water damage at Museum of the Great Plains

City architects reported extensive water infiltration, roof and exterior-finish failures at the Museum of the Great Plains and recommended a comprehensive $6,000,000 repair package to replace exterior finishes, install a more resilient roofing system, correct installation defects and upgrade mechanical systems to protect artifacts.

J. D. Clark, the project architect, described cracked stucco, leaking clerestories and failing roof membranes that have caused interior water damage and threatened environmental controls needed for museum collections. Museum staff said the museum operates at a deficit and described the project's financial impact if the museum must close for an extended period.

Museum staff and preservation movers presented relocation and packing estimates. One mover bid approximately $1,280,000 with an option that would require museum staff to assist in packing; turnkey estimates from professional collections movers were higher (estimates in the $1.5M+ range). Museum staff and staff presenters recommended budgeting approximately $1.8M to cover moving, packed storage, utilities and associated relocation costs in addition to the $6.0M construction estimate.

Council amended a motion to direct insurance recoveries from the June 2023 hail claim, if and when received, to be applied to the museum project. The council approved proceeding with the project and supplemental funding for relocation and storage; the motion passed 7-0. Staff said insurance proceeds are still pending and that contingency funds are important because additional hidden damage may be discovered during demolition.