Quinn Evans celebrated the groundbreaking of the monumental two-year, $47 million restoration project for the Midland Center for the Arts in Michigan on November 28, 2023. Spearheading the project as the lead architectural firm in collaboration with Spence Brothers construction management, this transformative initiative aims to reimagine public spaces, expand exhibition areas, and seamlessly connect the museum, event center, and community education spaces through Quinn Evans’ design.
The restoration focuses on creating a multi-storied museum experience, paying homage to Alden B. Dow's iconic mid-century design. The Midland Center for the Arts CEO, Jon Loos, expressed his excitement about the project, envisioning a space that sparks discovery through interactive experiences. The groundbreaking ceremony included a symbolic wall demolition and unveiling of a mural depicting the future look of the Center in 2025.
Following a catastrophic flood, the Center is embarking on a journey to enhance transparency, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience. The updated design promises a contemporary, interactive museum of science and art, fostering creativity and curiosity. The Center’s revitalization extends beyond the museum, transforming the main entrance, adding a new education wing, an open rooftop discovery space, and centralized storage facilities. The revamped building promises greater expanded educational spaces, climate-controlled archives, and renovated galleries.
Despite ongoing operations, the Center aims to stay open during the majority of the renovation, with potential surprises for the public along the way. By summer, the education wing's progress will be visible, contributing to the Center's mission as a national destination that inspires today’s patrons and generations to come.
