Early Ford V-8 Museum Expansion Approved

Article by Dave Kurtz | KPC News | May 11, 2021

AUBURN — An expansion plan for the Early Ford V-8 Foundation Museum gained approval from the Auburn Plan Commission Tuesday night.

The development plan calls for construction of a new, multi-purpose building — the second building on the museum’s campus south of Auburn, north of C.R. 11A and Kruse Plaza.

The new building will provide a much-needed conservation and preservation center, vehicle storage, educational facilities and an expanded exhibition/display area that can be used as a multi-purpose events space, said a news release from the museum last month.

“It is exciting to see the Early Ford V-8 Museum thriving,” said a report to the Plan Commission from the city’s Department of Building, Planning, and Development staff, which recommended approval of the plan.

The original building of 8,040 square feet was constructed in 2008, according to a Plan Commission report. In 2017, an expansion added 20,437 square feet to the building and 74 spaces to the orignals 14-space parking lot.

The expansion, to the northwest of the existing museum building, will add 16,125 square feet of space for vehicle and parts storage, a workshop and detailing shop, training room, event/exhibit space, offices, restrooms and warming kitchen.

Complementary materials and colors will reflect the design of the existing museum and the pay homage to the architectural style that was popular during the era for which the museum is focused, the report said. The museum is dedicated to preserving Ford history during the 1932-1953 era of flathead V-8 engines.

The project will also add 10 new parking spaces and asphalt driveways.

During the planning phase of the campaign, an anonymous $500,000 contribution was pledged to the project, the museum said last month.

“The generosity of our community continues to amaze us,” Joshua Conrad, executive director of the foundation, said last month. “The Early Ford V-8 Museum relies on the kindness of individual donors, grants and foundations. Financial pledges and donations have been received, but much more are needed to reach the goal of $500,000 by Nov. 1.”

The museum is open to public daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or at any time by appointment. Its website is fordv8foundation.org

Article source: https://www.kpcnews.com/thestar/article_34ddaecc-b02d-5e60-a706-3774681587d4.html