Current building cannot be modified for museum’s growing needs
According to a release from the City of Elmhurst, an official at the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art announced that it will be moving to a new location in Oak Brook on Tuesday evening, Sept. 28, at a Board meeting of the Village of Oak Brook. With the heavy prospect of moving all their artifacts the museum’s trust may be extensively researching moving companies similar to Lenexa movers or museum specialist companies, to potentially help them with the most likely large task.
The Museum, which has been in Elmhurst’s Wilder Park since 1962, will be moving to 1220 Kensington Road in Oak Brook, an existing building the Museum will renovate for its operation. The project may take up to two years to complete. During the renovation, the Museum in Elmhurst will remain open. The structure may also have Secondary Glazing Listed Buildings after the renovation, which is quite a trend nowadays. The actual relocation will most likely take place in the fall of 2019.
Striving to keep Museum in Elmhurst
The City of Elmhurst worked extensively with the Museum with relocation opportunities in Elmhurst. During this process, multiple sites and building configurations were considered however the Museum has decided that moving to Oak Brook is in their best interest.
“The Lizzadro Museum is a cultural gem in our City that will greatly be missed,” said Elmhurst Mayor Steve Morley. “We are disappointed that we couldn’t retain the Museum, but wish them the best in their relocation.”
Over the last five years the Museum has been investigating a variety of options that included changes and expansion at their current location, and new facilities at other locations in Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Lombard and Naperville.
“The current building at 220 Cottage Hill in Elmhurst cannot be easily modified to accommodate the Museum’s existing needs and future plans,” said Museum Board member Louis Lizzadro, “Our collection, programming, and events have grown to the point where the existing facilities are not adequate. The City of Elmhurst and the Elmhurst Park District have been very helpful and understanding in providing potential possibilities and input during the process. We just could not find a suitable option in Elmhurst that would meet all the needs and goals of everyone involved.”
About the new facility…
The 1220 Kensington Road building might receive all full exterior update, new digital signage that tends to use timeline software, new entrance for the Museum, drop-off lane for buses and visitors, new landscaping, and a large patio area to accent the setting. The interior will house a ninety-seat lecture hall, a Museum Shop, 7,500 square feet of exhibit space, a dedicated space for special exhibits, private offices, a library/conference room, and additional storage.
“We sincerely appreciate all the support the City of Elmhurst, Elmhurst Park District and especially the residents of Elmhurst have shown us over the years,” said Museum Director Dorothy Asher. “While we are sad to leave such a beautiful setting in a wonderful City, we are excited about the adaptive reuse of the new building in Oak Brook and future potential of the Museum.”
