Updates
March 4: Serenus Johnson begins work! A fence has been put up around the front of the building, two large dumpsters have been delivered, and a Serenus Johnson trailers are in place.
March 12: Interior demolition is almost complete. Trenches are carved into the floor for plumbing updates.
March 28: Interior demolition is complete. Work begins on the elevator shaft, supports for the second-floor balcony, and new walls.
April 3: More concrete slabs are removed, and work on the elevator shaft, supports, and walls continues.
April 23: Trenches are complete and preparation for pouring concrete is underway.
April 29: A concrete truck is on site and pouring has begun.
May 7: Workers are setting the forms for the walls and foundation for the second-floor balcony. To date, 17 cubic yards of concrete have been poured which covers approximately 1,377 square feet poured 4 inches thick. North-facing windows on the second floor are removed.
May 8: Concrete is pumped into the forms.
May 10: Frame for two sets of stairs leading to and from the galley space, and the back wall of the welcome desk are set. The concrete base of the elevator shaft has been poured, is set, and awaiting mechanical components.
May 22: All remaining windows at the front of the building are removed. New windows have been ordered.
June 11: The concrete truck is back! This time pouring the concrete floor of the entryway, replacing the older floor that was removed earlier in the month.
June 18: The concrete for the extended mezzanine floor has been poured and is set. Framing for the back wall is being built and installed.
July 8: Preparation for window installation begins and work starts on the elevator shaft.
July 23: Construction of the elevator shaft is completed; work continues on the rooftop mechanical access for the elevator. The staircase leading to the balcony is framed.
July 29: Staircase is built, window installation began on July 26.
August 2: Window installation is completed; iron bracing connects the elevator shaft and ceiling.
August 12: New backdoors are installed and framing for the front wall between the welcome area and gallery is erected.
August 22: New front doors are installed.
August 29: Framing for the remaining walls erected.
September 3: New electrical panels are installed.
September 5: A trench is dug behind the building to lay new electrical lines.
Straits Cultural Center Project Timeline
2016-17: Acquired 20 S. State Street property, formerly the Walker Furniture Building. Purchase price fully funded.
Environmental assessment of the building. Fully funded.
2018-20: WTA Architects retained through competitive bidding. Services fully funded.
Split Rock Studios design firm retained through competitive bidding for design, creation, and installation of all design and interpretive elements. Funding in place to fully fund design and installation.
Environmental remediation. Fully funded.
Building interior demolition complete. Full funded.
Exterior painting complete. Fully funded.
Original plan was to begin construction in 2019 and open in 2020.
Pandemic circumstances halted fundraising and construction.
2021-22: Ramped up efforts to finish funding and set new construction date targets.
2022-23: Construction and design costs were significantly affected by the pandemic delay and associated inflation.
January 2024: MHS Board of Directors approved a contract with the firm Serenus Johnson for work on the SCC. The general contractor proposed a phased project, allowing work to begin with funds on hand.
Straits Cultural Center Project Status
Over the course of the campaign, MHS has received funding from the St. Ignace Downtown Development Authority, Mackinac County, State of Michigan, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, National Endowment for the Humanities, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Congressionally Directed Spending Award, and private donors, including one $1 million from a local anonymous donor.
Michilimackinac Historical Society has completely funded all preliminary work for construction of the Straits Cultural Center and has funding on hand to start work. The current project investment is $2.5 million. Our goal now is to finish funding for interior construction: new electrical wiring, entry service, new plumbing and fixtures, HVAC, new interior walls and ceiling, flooring, insulation, new windows, all interior rooms, wall finishes, and support systems for fabricated exhibit design modules.
MHS has funding in the amount of $1.1 million to begin construction, this includes the Congressional Directed Spending Award. In February 2023, our estimated cost to finish the project was $2.5 million. Inflation in 2023 increased costs to $3.3 million.
MHS needs final funding in the amount of $2.1 million MINIMUM to finish construction. The approved construction contract with Serenus Johnson Construction is for $3.3 million. Note: Several local, St. Ignace sub-contractors will work with Serenus Johnson on the SCC.
A phased construction project will begin in March of 2024.