THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

Anthropology Department

Location: New York, NY
Size: 28,500 square feet
Project Type: Historical Preservation

The renovation of the Museum’s Anthropology Department consisted of three separate, yet related, design projects. Jeffrey Berman Architect prepared a feasibility study and master plan for the adaptive reuse and renovation of the department’s existing eight-story building located in the Upper West Side Historical District. Several factors were necessary to take into consideration for this project including the existing structure’s limitations, the impact of modern infrastructure on the existing structure, zoning regulations, code requirements, schedule and budget. 

Based on a resourceful design, which enabled minimal disruption of existing space, the feasibility study proposed two construction projects that allowed the institution to meet their programmatic objectives and budget. Upon completion, three new fl oors were added within the existing building, providing 14,000 square feet for archival-grade collections storage. A National Endowment for the Humanities Project Grant was awarded to help fund the project.