Home / War and Conflict / Norfolk Plans $18.5M Expansion for WWII Leader's Memorial
Norfolk Plans $18.5M Expansion for WWII Leader's Memorial
26 Jul
Summary
- Memorial expansion includes a new 10,000-square-foot second story.
- Project aims to protect 140,000 historical artifacts from damage.
- Construction is expected to take approximately 14 months.
A significant multi-million dollar expansion is planned for the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, Virginia. The General Douglas MacArthur Foundation has announced an $18.5 million project that will add a 10,000-square-foot second story to the existing Jean MacArthur Research and Education Center.
This expansion is crucial for safeguarding the memorial's vast collection of 140,000 historical artifacts. These items face risks from sunlight, roof leaks, and inadequate climate control, which can lead to deterioration. The new addition will provide improved archival space and modern facilities.
The project includes plans for archival space, offices, a conference room, classrooms, research areas, cold storage, and a podcast room. The foundation aims to curate, preserve, and present its growing collection in an engaging manner. Funding involves contributions from the city, the MacArthur Foundation endowment, and a capital fundraising campaign.
Construction is scheduled to commence in September and is anticipated to take approximately 14 months to complete. The Norfolk Planning Commission has already given its approval for the development certificate, marking a key step in the project's realization.
