After 80 years of reliable service, our cupola has finally reached a point where it can no longer weather the storms.
There is tremendous rot from leaks extending well before the Arts Center bought the building nearly 30 years ago. Repairs have been made extensively, however the leaks persist. This has had a ripple effect, causing damage to rafters and other attic materials and significant damage to the plaster on the ceiling in the lobby and the gallery.
Due to this damage, the iconic cupola is barely holding itself together.
The museum board of directors engaged a well-respected preservation architect, Josh Vernon of Urban Fabric from Murray, KY, to guide us through the replacement process. Josh was the designer for our accessibility entrance and new restrooms in 2020.
The board of directors found it prudent to replace the roof on the entire building and make repairs to other exterior trim while the contractors have their equipment and employees on site.
The lobby HVAC has also reached the end of its life being 28 years old and needing frequent repairs. This will also be replaced while the cupola is removed from the roof.
The new cupola will look EXACTLY like the original. JMAM has the original plans from 1938 for the building and the architect is using those plans to design the new cupola. We assure our friends and neighbors that we consider it of utmost importance that we maintain the historic aspect of our building as we believe it is critical to the fabric of our community.
While the cupola will look like the original it will be constructed of modern materials to better resist the ravages of the elements, built to last another hundred years.
JMAM very much appreciates the support we have received from the community!
