Bingen will hire architect for museum planning

The museum building is owned by the city and leased to the West Klickitat County Historical Society, which operates the museum.

The RFP seeks "the services of a qualified architectural/planning team to provide planning, architectural, cost estimating, and other services in developing preliminary plans and cost estimate for upgrades and improvements to the Gorge Heritage Museum ... the target deadline for the completion of this planning process is July 1, 2008."

Improvements the architect would assess include evaluating the structural integrity of the existing building and provide a report; determining whether ADA access can be provided to both levels of the building; ensuring that there is adequate heating, ventilating, and air conditioning; determining if additional storage space and gallery space can be accommodated; and determining whether famed botanist Wilhelm Suksdorf's house -- which is located several blocks away -- can be relocated to the Gorge Heritage Museum site.

"I think we should go forward," council member Laura Mann said. "I did sort of hesitate due to the cost, but it really is wonderful we can do this. It's not just for our area. The Gorge Heritage Museum needs to be preserved, and it's important that we try to do this."

Mayor Brian Prigel agreed.

"If it costs more than anticipated, we can either pare the project back or discuss with the museum to see if they can provide funding or matching funds," Prigel said.

To avoid any appearance of conflict, two council members -- Terry Trantow and Betty Barnes -- recused themselves from the March 18 vote on the RFP. Trantow serves on the museum board, while Barnes chairs the city's museum committee.

Etta Hepner, vice president of the West Klickitat County Historical Society, said she is happy the RFP has been approved, because it will allow the Gorge Heritage Museum to plan for the future.

"Basically it's a plot plan. If we add ADA here, here's what it would look like, or if we add on here, here's what it would look like, or if it is not possible," Hepner said. "And if we acquire and move Wilhelm Suksdorf's house, where would it sit relative to what's there now?"

Hepner, who also writes grants for the museum, pointed out that to apply for any major grants, the museum needs to have a comprehensive plan in place.

According to Hepner, the museum board is seriously considering three grants, and having the architect's plan in hand would strengthen the museum's bid. Hepner added that she appreciates that the city is asking for the architectural plan to be completed by the end of June.

"It's a positive step forward for us," Hepner said.

Mayor Prigel said the museum is a significant asset to the city and needs attention.

"We're trying to build a vision of what we want there in 20 years," Prigel said. "This planning process is something that needs to be done if we're committed to that facility."

The city's deadline to respond to the RFP is April 11.