Depot Park will be site of New Museum
Aerial view of Depot Park, with site of new museum circled in red. (Click photo to enlarge) |
The City of Santa Cruz Master Plan for redevelopment of the Depot Park site included establishment of a new Museum of Natural History there. The site is within walking distance of downtown, municipal wharf, Neary Lagoon, and proposed Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary Visitor Center. In addition, the Depot Park is planned to become a multi-modal transportation hub for the region. However, due to the financial recession of 2008, these plans are on hold.
Once development is resumed, plans for the new building, exhibits and landscape will focus on sustainability and stewardship to support the Museum's mission to inspire connection the natural world. Future programs, events and exhibits will continue to illustrate connections between people and nature, addressing global environmental issues with local examples of both the impacts and positive action that can be taken.
The following firms have assisted with the concept plan development and planning for the new museum:
Architect: William McDonough + Partners
Exhibit Designer: AldrichPears Associates
Landscape Architect: Andropogon Associates, Ltd.
Owner’s Representation: Rhodes / Dahl
As international recognized architects, planners, and leaders in sustainable design, William McDonough + Partners crafts designs for buildings and communities that embody new and enduring standards of economic, ecological, and social responsibility.
Among the great diversity of projects completed by the firm, several are recognized as landmarks of the sustainability movement:
Environmental Defense Fund National Headquarters New York, New York
Herman Miller “GreenHouse” Factory and Offices Holland, Michigan
901 Cherry, Offices for Gap Inc. San Bruno, CA
Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio
Other projects that are related to our project include:
Museum of Life and the Environment
York County Culture & Heritage Commission, York County, North Carolina
Bernheim Arboretum Visitors Center
Berheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Clermont, Kentucky
Cartledge-Hancock Education Center
Virginia’s Explore Park, Roanoke, Virginia
Newsweek launched a new interview series on leadership and innovation. Reporter Anne Underwood talked with William McDonough about "Designing the Future."
Newsweek Interviews William McDonough on "Designing the Future."