Yogi Berra Museum to Renovate, Expand

Written by: Jerry Milani on 8th October 2009

Yogi Berra Museum to Renovate, Expand | read this item

The growth of the Yogi Berra Museum & Learning Center, as its namesake might say, “ain’t over until it’s over.”

The museum, located on the Montclair State University campus, celebrated the groundbreaking of the expansion phase of a four-part building renovation on Monday.

In addition to Yogi and Carmen Berra, participants included Montclair State President Dr. Susan A. Cole.

According to Museum officials, the first phase of the plan was completed in late May with the renovation of the Museum office space. The second, the expansion phase and the refurbishment of the exterior, is now underway and is expected to be finished in March 2010. It will be followed by a new exhibit gallery and finally a newly-designed theater. The entire renovation will be completed in the fourth quarter of next year. Because of the four-phase plan, the Museum can remain open to the public throughout the renovation.

All funding is being raised through private donations.

The architecture firm is ikon.5 architects of Princeton, N.J., while Gallagher & Associates from Bethesda, Md., is the exhibit designer. Frankoski Construction of East Orange, N.J., was the contractor for the office space and Turner Construction in Somerset, N.J., will construct the expansion phase.

“We’re thankful for making this groundbreaking necessary,” said Berra. “Our Museum & Learning Center, in 11 years, has done a lot of good for so many young people. Now this renovation is going to make us look a lot better. I’m grateful to our supporters and that I’m still alive to see it.”

“This has been a dream of Yogi’s and Carmen’s for a long time, “ said Museum Board of Trustees President Kevin Carroll. “The renovation and expansion, with all of its exciting new additions and upgrades, will allow us to enhance the Museum experience—especially for the thousands of youngsters who will continue to benefit from our programs that teach history, good values and character education.”

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