Constuction resumes at Remington Museum

SATURDAY, AUGUST 11, 2012

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Renovations to the Frederic Remington Art Museum resumed Thursday with minor repairs being made to the roof of the 200-year-old building.

Construction had been placed on hold last month due to problems with the breathable masonry coating that was peeling from the brick walls in certain sections.

This final phase of renovations marks the completion of last year’s contract with Continental Construction, Gouverneur. Besides the roof, the company will also apply a second coat of breathable masonry coating to the brick walls and repair shutters.

“It should last a week,” said Executive Director Edward A. LaVarnway of the current round of construction.

The breathable masonry coating, however, can only be applied in dry weather.

“They’ve done almost everything they can do in the rain,” said Mr. LaVarnway. “The other tasks to be completed under last year’s contract require a dry day or two.”

Construction on the museum has been ongoing since 2007 and could cost as much as $2.5 million when complete.

Mr. LaVarnway said he expects to announce a new round of bidding on future construction projects within the next two weeks. Details have not yet been released.

Juliann Cliff, member of the museum’s Board of Trustees and chairwoman of the My Hometown campaign, said the museum’s effort to restore its exterior has gotten support from the local community. Through the “Buy a Brick” initiative where people are asked to buy a $25 brick for the museum’s new fa�ade, the museum has managed to raise $24,330.

Mrs. Cliff had hoped to raise $131,000 by mid-August but has pushed back the timeframe to the end of October.

“We passed out a lot of information at the Seaway Festival,” she said, adding that she hopes people start getting more active with donations.

Donations can be made online at the museum’s website (www.fredericremington.org) or by calling the museum at 393-2425.