MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN ARTS AND CRAFTS MOVEMENT (MAACM)

Aerial view of the site from March 2018

Alfonso Architects’ rendering of the finished museum

In March of 2017, APG was awarded the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement (MAACM) project by Gilbane Building Company. At nearly $5 million, this contract includes electrical construction, fire alarm, BIM, audio/visual, and voice/data services for a brand-new, five-story, 137,000 square foot building. The museum will include a 100-seat auditorium, a resource library, a children’s education center, an upscale restaurant, a café, a retail store, and event space. The impressive structure will showcase businessman Rudy Ciccarello’s extensive collection of furniture, pottery, tile, metalwork, lighting, photography and other decorative arts from the American Arts and Crafts movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The museum is expected to have a substantial economic impact on the city of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region, drawing locals and tourists alike to this unique collection and period of American history.
 
Alfonso Architects designed this one-of-a-kind building and has worked together with the owner to ensure that every level of construction is done to the highest standard. For instance, each device that we install (receptacles, light switches, fire alarm strobes, card readers, and light fixtures) must be in perfect alignment so as not to distract from the art on display. Another unique feature of the design is the curved, wood panel acoustical suspended ceiling which will support recessed lighting. A monumental, custom fabricated steel staircase, finished in plaster and housing several light fixtures, will be a focal point of the atrium. Our entire team has risen to the challenge by delivering an installation that accounts for the smallest of details, and we are proud to contribute to the aesthetic of this spectacular museum.

Inside the atrium for the topping-off party

We were excited to get started on this work and quickly put together a talented team. Project Superintendent Brent Thomasco and his five-person crew worked an 18-hour Saturday to perform a shutdown with Duke Energy, pulling in the conductors and terminating on both ends for the transfer. We’ve been honored to receive many compliments for the skill and diligence of our team, including for this flawless shutdown.

MAACM is expected to be completed later this year. All of us at APG were happy to earn this contract and we greatly appreciate having been selected by Gilbane as their electrical and low voltage contractor of choice. We are proud of the hard work of Senior Estimator Jonathan Henley, Project Manager Josh Smith, Project Superintendent Brent Thomasco, and the entire team on site. Keep up the great work!