SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KY3) – Springfield City Council approved the contract to start Phase 2 of the Springfield Art Museum\u2019s renovation and expansion project Monday night.<\/p>\n
Museum director Nick Nelson said two issues have been challenging for the project: rising construction prices and a $500,000 funding gap. Nelson said he is confident the gap can be addressed.<\/p>\n
Schedule pressure<\/p>\n
Nelson said the schedule is also under pressure because of delays in getting building materials.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne of the largest factors affecting our project timeline at this point remains procurement of structural steel and other specialty materials,\u201d Nelson said. \u201cAs those timelines become clearer, we will be able to provide more specific information about construction completion and plans for reopening the museum.\u201d<\/p>\n
Completion timeline<\/p>\n
Nelson said the project should be complete by mid-2028 at the earliest. The museum will then start reinstalling exhibits and preparing classrooms and program spaces.<\/p>\n