The Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum (CSPM) completed its Sustainable Preservation Capital Project at the Museum’s Offsite Collection Storage facility last month. This transformative project improves the environmental conditions of the CSPM’s 14,000 square foot offsite storage facility through the installation of an efficient HVAC system with central digital controls and low-velocity fans. This project was fully funded thanks to the generous support of the National Endowment for Humanities, El Pomar Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation, the CSPM Foundation (the Foundation), John Ben Snow Foundation, The Edith Jackson Family Trust, and the Strake Foundation.
We have been a collecting institution since 1896. The Museum’s collection now comprises over 70,000 artifacts – ranging from carriages to paleontological specimens—and over 6,000 cubic feet of archival materials, including manuscript collections, photographs, maps, blueprints, and ephemera. With an evergrowing collection, the CSPM needed more space. The CSPM Foundation purchased an offsite storage facility in 1999 to address this issue. Since then, the CSPM has worked for more than 10 years to turn this space into a state-of-the-art storage facility. By installing the HVAC system, the CSPM is in its final stages of completing this goal.
First, the CSPM collections team prepared for construction and assessed the potential impact on artifacts housed in the collection storage facility. Collection and preservation are a crucial part of the CSPM’s mission. It was important for the CSPM Registrar, Caitlin Sharpe, to determine these steps before moving forward with the construction process. Artifacts were relocated to other locations in the offsite storage facility that were not impacted by construction. Staff wrapped artifacts and shelves with protective sheets to keep them safe from dust and debris due to construction.Â
Several businesses were contracted as part of this project. Plant Engineering provided their expertise to complete the construction drawings for the HVAC. This process led to a few details included in the preliminary HVAC plan including a new structural plan to incorporate a new furnace, masonry work, and unanticipated plumbing requirements. Colorado Mechanical Systems installed two rooftop units, two new humidification units, 6 de-stratification fans, two new water heaters, and 500 feet of ductwork. Berwick Electrical installed new wiring and electrical panels to support the new system. Johnson Controls installed sensors throughout the space and designed the digital control interface. The digital controls allow CSPM staff and City Facilities to monitor and maintain the ideal environmental conditions for the space.  After the installation of the HVAC system and digital controls, the CSPM is already seeing improvements in the facility’s environmental conditions.Â
By completing this project, the CSPM is working towards achieving its overall vision for the CSPM to be the source for igniting curiosity and inspiring discovery amongst all residents and visitors. The institution will also uphold its commitment to providing the best care for its collection dedicated to the cultural history of the Pikes Peak Region.
This capital project was a strategic priority for our institution in order to preserve our collections for future generations.- Matt Mayberry, NEH in the News, “Pioneers Museum awarded $290k NEH grant”