The Ukrainian Museum signs building contract, taking another step toward realizing long-held dream (08/05/01)

The Ukrainian Museum signs building contract,
taking another step toward realizing long-held dream

by Marta Bachynsky

NEW YORK - The board of trustees of The Ukrainian Museum announced that the president of the board, Olha Hnateyko, has signed the contract to begin construction of a new museum facility on East Sixth Street in New York City. The $7.6 million building will be an important addition to the rejuvenation of the Lower East Side neighborhood.

The contract was signed with S. Digiacomo & Son Inc., a construction management, general contracting and technology management firm, which was the bid winner for this project.

The architectural plans for the new building were designed and produced by Ukrainian architect George Sawicki of the Manhattan-based firm Sawicki Tarella Architecture+Design, PC. The projected new facility of 25,000 square feet will be a modern three-story building, with spacious exhibition galleries, an auditorium, climate controlled storage spaces for its collections, a library, classrooms and workrooms, offices, a gift shop and a gallery/coffee shop.

The building project, which has been held in abeyance for some time due to lack of funds, was reactivated last December with the donation of $2.5 million to the Building Fund by Eugene and Daymel Shklar. The Shklars also established a Challenge Grant of $1 million to raise additional funds for the project. Through the grant, donations to the museum are being matched dollar for dollar.

Actual construction of the new museum facility will begin upon receipt of permits by the builder from New York City's Department of Buildings.

The museum, which this year celebrates its 25th anniversary, has been a vital, nurturing institution to the Ukrainian community, preserving the bounty and richness of the Ukrainian cultural legacy. The institution has also made a name for itself among its peers and with the general public through its multi-faceted agenda, introducing the Ukrainian experience in exhibitions, publications, educational and community-related programs.

To support the building project the museum is conducting a major fund-raising campaign. For information on how to contribute call (212) 228-0110 or visit the website: www.ukrainianmuseum.org.

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