Funding freed-up to build Guam Museum
After years in discussion, Governor Eddie Calvo signed legislation this morning that would finally move the construction of an educational cultural facility, better known as the Guam Museum, forward.
By KUAM NewsGuam - After years in discussion, Governor Eddie Calvo signed legislation this morning that would finally move the construction of an educational cultural facility, better known as the Guam Museum, forward.
"If it's for the good of Guam, then why not?" proclaimed Mermaid Tavern assistant manager Joy Molinos is referring to the construction of a Guam museum at Skinner Plaza set to bring more visitors not only to her business in Hagatna, but ultimately aid in the revitalization and redevelopment of our capital city. And today, the island's chief executive took the necessary steps in making it a reality, signing Bill 454, authorizing him to transfer Skinner Plaza currently under the control of the Guam Legislature to GovGuam to build the museum.
"And it will be part of Hagatna and it will be that cornerstone for revitalization of our capital city and with that it will what I believe bring life back to a city, bring back a glory that once was," he said.
The Guam Museum would be a world-class facility home for artifacts and historic documents. Chamorro Affairs chair John Mafnas says it's going to be the most significant structure built in the 21st Century. "In regard to culture, it's going to showcase important pieces of our islands history, and show the evolution of our culture displaying artifacts of Pre-Latte Period, Spanish Era and Pre-War Guam and the modern era," he explained.
The project is expected to cost around $27 million from the HOT bonds, not including the several millions to be invested in the historic district in Hagatna.
Project management officer Ken Baki meanwhile says the team is aware of concerns over the location and whether traffic would be a problem. "We redirected traffic around the plaza so that when you go past the post office that will become a one-way street down to Soledad, and one-way on Murray Drive as well. And we've changed the parking from parallel parking to angle parking; we get about 144 spaces that way versus the 50 or 60 less we have currently," he said.
The museum will only occupy about 30% of Skinner Plaza, meaning the existing monuments won't be impacted. The Guam Economic Development Authority meanwhile noted that the museum would increase investor confidence by building Guam's portfolio to off-island investors. The Guam Visitors Bureau meanwhile noted the museum fits inline with what visitors want which is seeing our culture and showcasing who the people are. For Molinos, she's aware of the concerns, but ultimately is excited for what's to come. "Our culture is dying and if its going to tell about Guam and our people, then I'm for it," she said.
The cultural educational facility won't be complete until the fourth quarter of 2014, but the team in the next couple of months expects to conduct archeological surveys and geotech testing.