Design efforts begin in earnest
African American Museum has top architectural team
By Robert Behre
Updated 04:31 p.m., August 27, 2009
The International African American Museum planned for Charleston doesn't have a price tag or a timetable for construction, but it does have a site and an award-winning design team that's beginning work in earnest this week.
Mayor Joe Riley introduced the team Wednesday and said its work will bring to light untold stories about how the Africans brought to this city in chains, and their descendants, shaped the city, state and nation.
The nonprofit museum's board already had a basic program for what type of building could be built at the site at Calhoun and Concord streets, just east of the aquarium parking garage.
Architects Curtis Moody of Moody Nolan and Antoine Predock, who designed the new garden-like San Diego Padres ballbark, will start with that concept and further refine it through interviews and visits to historic Lowcountry sites.
Ralph Appelbaum, whose international firm is considered the pre- eminent museum designer, is working on the exhibits and interior.
Their architectural collaboration emphasizes, in unseen and even abstract ways, the spoken words, dance and other intangible aspects of African-American culture rather than simply create a building to house artifacts, they said.
While other cities have created or are creating their own museums that focus on black history, the designers noted Charleston's role as the main entry port for slaves brought into the United States.
"There are lots of debates about the need for African-American museums," Moody said. "This is where it should happen. We believe this should be the museum for the world for its type."
While the angled site has some constraints, including limited square footage and a neighboring parking garage, Predock said its upper floors can offer excellent views of the Cooper River, the city and the nature beyond.
Appelbaum said the team will mostly gather information this week. "Our mission is to listen hard and to make sure some of the stories that this community has so lovingly protected over the years can find a home," he said.
The price tag has risen above the previous $61 million estimate but wouldn't say by how much. Its final price likely will be shaped by how quickly the city can raise the money needed to build it, he said.
Editor's note: The comment about the price of the project was inaccurately attributed to Mayor Riley in previous versions of this story. The Post and Courier regrets the error.
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Comments
mb300sl (anonymous) says...
Sounds like a good project for some Obamessiah stimulus money..."King Joe" should be able to work that out.
August 27, 2009 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
YouKnowMe (anonymous) says...
What a wonderful way to recognize the contributions that African Americans have made for not just our state, but for the entire country!
August 27, 2009 at 9:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
Charleston gets a huge number of African American tourists and we have a rich history there. I have Confederate ancestors and am proud of my family's heritage, but you can only spend so many years reading about Gettysburg or the Atlanta campaign.
The Avery Institute has introduced me to whole chapters of history I didn't even know existed. The entire story becomes richer and more colorful when everyone is included.
Years ago I managed to convince most of my Confederate reenacting group to attend some black history month programs related to the Civil War (War Between the States, Late Unpleasantness, War of Northern Aggression, War for Southern Independence and The Rebellion). Everyone had a great time. All these big Confederate Historians enjoyed the fact that it was something new and interesting that added to the story they valued so much.
August 27, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chris50 (anonymous) says...
I guess there were not any local architects available. It's not like there are hundreds out of work here in the lowcountry.
August 27, 2009 at 10:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CharlestonTimes (anonymous) says...
This is a bridge too far.
This blog addresses every one of these points.
http://davidfarrow.wordpress.com/2009...
August 27, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chopper (anonymous) says...
I see another over priced artifact in that area.Get on with yourself Joe.
August 27, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cuse (anonymous) says...
there are plenty of good design firms in charleston...thanks Riley
August 27, 2009 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustJennings (anonymous) says...
As a former museum curator, I recognise the value of any museum, but there is already a museum devoted to the topic of slavery as well as the Avery Institute devoted to the study of African American topics. The Charleston Museum has a current exhibit relating to African American history after the war. I am sure that there will be claims of racism for not agreeing with this project, but that is not the case. I have done research on African American history and find the topic to be of interest but would love to know from where the money will come. I think Gestapo Joe should spend the money fixing the sidewalks before building more museums. The price tag was $61,000,000, but now they will not even disclose the real price which is projected to be even higher. Fixing the sidewalks in poor neighbourhoods and providing better housing will be of far more value to local African Americans (who make up a disproportionate share of the poor) than a separate museum that will duplicate what already exists. With a $61,000,000++++ pricetag, the admission fee will be out of the range of many of the locals to whom it would be of most interest. Gestapo Joe's other pet project (the Aquarium) is too expensive for a regular family outing. Will this be different? The idea is nice, but I suspect the cost may outweigh the benefits. although I would rather see more museums than more hotels, I can't justify the astronomical pricetag or the failure to hire a local architect. An expensive location with a view of the river should not matter when the money should be going to create quality exhibits.
August 27, 2009 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CharlestonTimes (anonymous) says...
"In his ever–desperate quest to develop every square inch of the peninsula Charleston Mayor Joseph P. Riley Jr. met Wednesday afternoon with architects and others in related fields to discuss plans for the $69 million proposed slave museum in what is now Ansonborough Square (Technically, if they wanted to be correct, it would be Middlesex Square were there land there originally, but alas, alack.)
"Am I the only one who sees the irony in this? Twenty years ago, scores of black people were sweating in the brutal August heat in the housing projects on this very space. Their lives were erased by Hurricane Hugo. After the storm, they were told they could no longer live on that space because the ground was contaminated. The project had been built on landfill that happened to have mercury and creosote.
"Oh no, we can’t let you move back there. Too dangerous, you see. We’ll build an aquarium, instead. Then we’ll build some condos and businesses anchored by a slave museum.
Great idea!!! Original. There can’t be any other slave museums. Oh wait! We already have one – the oldest in the world.
"Then, we’ll have a festival just for black people.
"Gosh, that’s right! We have one of those, too.
"Hmmm… How are we going to anchor this development? We’ll pretend like we have the funding and support for this project.
The International African-American Museum is to cost at least $70 million. Well, that should turn out well. Look at the aquarium."
Read the rest: http://davidfarrow.wordpress.com/2009...
August 27, 2009 at 4:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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