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Committee approves museum contract addendum and temporary lease for Gallery 200 operator
Summary
The committee approved an addendum to the city’s museum management contract allowing a temporary relocation of the City Museum during planned 2026–2027 construction and approved a time‑limited lease with nonprofit Gallery 200 operator People Made Visible through Dec. 31, 2027.
The Public Affairs Committee voted Feb. 17 to approve an addendum to the City Museum Management contract with Failing Consulting Inc. to allow for a temporary relocation of the museum while planned improvements at 132 Main Street proceed.
Staff told the committee that contractors will not work around museum artifacts, so the city must empty exhibit spaces during construction. The plan calls for a temporary relocation of the museum to 200 Main Street (a city‑owned property) for the duration of the work; staff estimated up to three weeks to move out, up to three weeks to move back in after construction, and additional disruption if projected Main Street modernization work occurs in 2027. Depending on bids and scope of work, the closure and relocation window could stretch into 2027.
Because of storage constraints, staff warned the committee the city may need to catalog the collection and consider deaccessioning items that the city cannot safely store. Staff suggested scanning some items and consulting with other museums or the historical society to preserve objects of higher significance.
In a related action, the committee approved a lease and operating agreement that formalizes the relationship with People Made Visible — the nonprofit that runs Gallery 200 — for operations at 103 West Washington Street while the museum occupies 200 Main Street. The lease contains a termination date of Dec. 31, 2027 (no automatic renewal), clarifies maintenance responsibilities, allows limited alcohol service for Gallery 200 events with city approval, and requires reporting on the use of budgeted 2026 funds; 2027 funding was noted as subject to that year’s budget process.
Committee members asked about options for donated or donated storage space and whether the Historic Preservation Commission could advise; staff said donations to other museums or consultation with historic groups are possible avenues.
The committee voted to approve both the museum contract addendum (resolution 26R‑0016) and the lease/operating agreement; both actions passed in committee and will advance to the full council.
