Questions and Answers about the Building Expansion Project of
Concordia Historical Institute (CHI), Saint Louis, MissouriWhat is the purpose of the new building expansion project? The purpose of the building expansion project is to provide new archival space for the Concordia Historical Institute. This need for space is due to the Institute’s role as the official depository of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, its agencies, congregations, and church-workers. In this role, the Institute constantly receives new materials that need storage space. The Institute’s archives are currently full.
Who will benefit from the new archival space? The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, its agencies, congregations, and church-workers will benefit from the new archival space, since their historical records, documents, photos, and artifacts will be stored there.
Where will the new archival space be located? The new archival space will be located inside the current Institute building at 804 Seminary Place, Saint Louis, Missouri on the campus of Concordia Seminary in Clayton. It will be in the lower level of the building addition constructed in 1979.
What is presently located at the site of the new archival space? The new archival space is presently occupied by the lower level of the Institute’s museum, open to the public, and by the storage area for its museum collection, that is open only to the Institute’s staff.
What will happen to the museum exhibits presently in the lower level? It is anticipated that portions of the Walter A. Maier exhibit will be used at the new museum at the International Center, depending on space and design. Artifacts and items from the other exhibits will be returned to museum storage, or used in the new exhibits at the International Center.
What will happen to the museum collection in storage? It will be stored in the new archival area, but in a more space-efficient manner.
What storage system is anticipated for the new archival space? A compact shelving system is anticipated for the new archival space. “Compact shelving” is shelving that moves on rails built into the floor of the archival area. Due to the proposed length of the shelves, they will need to be motorized and include personnel safety features.
What is the total square footage that the new archival space will occupy? The new archival space square footage will be 3,528 square feet.
What is the anticipated capacity of the new archival space? The new archival space will accommodate 6,732 archival boxes.
What is the anticipated date for filling this capacity? Based on the transfer of overflow materials and current rate of acquisitions, it is estimated that the new archival space will reach capacity in the year 2020.
What will be the one-time cost to renovate and furnish the new archival space? The total cost estimate is about one million dollars.
What does the cost estimate for the new archival space include? The new archival space cost estimate includes the following: 1) compact shelving system and installation ($182,000; estimate from Peterson Group, October 2005); 2) installation of fire suppression in old archives areas ($204,984; estimate from R. J. Neubert, April 2004); 3) installation of fire suppression in new archival area (no estimate to date); 4) high volume air conditioning for new archival area (no estimate to date); 5) room demolition and renovation costs (no estimate to date); 6) moving costs (no estimate to date). Fire suppression has to be added because of changes in building codes.
Who is the staff person in charge of this project at Concordia Historical Institute? The Institute’s director, the Rev. Dr. Martin R. Noland, is in charge of this project.
Who is the architect overseeing design and construction for this project? Mr. Kenneth Gornet of Saint Louis, a long-time associate of the Institute and retired professional architect, is overseeing the design and construction of the project on a pro bono basis.
Who is the archival consultant for this project? The Rev. Marvin Huggins, Associate Director for Archives and Library of Concordia Historical Institute, is the archival consultant for this project. Pastor Huggins is presently on the Board of Directors of the “Midwest Archives Conference” and is a recognized leader in the field of religious archives.
How are the one-time design and construction costs going to be raised? Concordia Historical Institute is involved in fundraising at various levels in the year 2006. This will include requesting grants from relevant foundations, requesting gifts from donors and Institute members, and a synod-wide congregational thankoffering in the summer and fall of 2006. The use of Thrivent’s GivingPlus program, providing matching funds, is being encouraged for members of Thrivent. Memorials will also be received and encouraged.
Will there be any naming opportunities for donors? Donors (whether an individual or organization) who give a gift of $5,000 or more to the Institute for the “Museum and Building Expansion Project” will be recognized on a donor plaque permanently located in the lobby of the new museum at the International Center. The new archival area can also be named with a Patron plaque, at a rate of $200,000 per plaque. Recognition for Patron gifts will be found both on the new museum donor plaque and on an individual plaque near an entrance door in the new archival area.
How can I make a donation to this project? Please make a check out to “Concordia Historical Institute” and in the memo line write: “Museum and Building Expansion Project.” Please send your check to: Concordia Historical Institute, 804 Seminary Place, Saint Louis, MO 63105-3014. If you are unable to give at this time, you may send a letter to the same address, indicating your pledge amount to the “Museum and Building Expansion Project,” the expected date of your gift, as well as your name, address, phone, and e-mail address (optional).
Whom may I contact if I am interested in supporting this venture? Please contact the Director of Concordia Historical Institute, Dr. Martin Noland at the following addresses:
804 Seminary Place
Saint Louis, MO 63105-3014314-505-7900
What is the Concordia Historical Institute? The Institute is the official department of Archives and History of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. The Institute is also a membership organization, presently with about 850 members who receive its periodicals and a reduction in research fees.
What does the Concordia Historical Institute do? Founded in 1927, the Institute has served as the official archival depository for records of the Missouri Synod, its agencies, congregations, and church-workers. Its archival collection, dating from the early 19th century to the present, includes over 2.5 million documents. Its museum collection, from the same period, includes over 7,500 museum artifacts. Its library of American Lutheran history includes over 60,000 books, periodicals, pamphlets, and other literature. Its research department is open to the public, and serves customers on-site, by mail, by phone, and by e-mail. It offers a free museum to the public, with both permanent and special exhibits. The Institute sells a selection of books and other items related to American Lutheran history in its lobby shop.
The Institute has sponsored the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly for over 75 years, the only journal devoted to American Lutheran history. It owns the Saxon Lutheran Memorial and Friedenberg Lutheran Church in Perry County, Missouri and the Saxon log cabin replica on the Clayton seminary campus. The Institute sponsors an annual Awards program for the most significant contributions to American Lutheran history. It hosts several conferences in Saint Louis; and offers consulting services to the Missouri Synod and its various agencies on archival, record-management, and historical issues.
Prepared by Martin R. Noland, 3-27-2006.
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