*Old Schoolhouse Expansion Plan*
When the Old schoolhouse was moved to it's current location it was 2,344 square feet in size. In order to make the
building suitable for occupancy it was necessary to add on 304 square feet for bathrooms and utility spaces. Thus we
started with the original (1927) school room, the first (1931) addition which now serves as our current exhibit hall,
and the second (1939-40) addition which houses our docent desk and gift shop.
It quickly became apparent that more space was needed and a two phase expansion program was instituted. Through the
generous donations of our members we were able to complete phase one in May 2006 at a cost of $145,000. This provided
us with an additional 1,640 square feet: 800 for a library and meeting room, 480 for an office and work room, and 360 for
a climate controlled archival storage area. The climate controlled archival storage area now contains all artifacts not on
display, Desert Trail newspapers, paintings, clothing, maps, certain fragile and non-replaceable photographs and books.
Phase II will provide two critically needed facilities, a 1,440 square foot assembly/lecture hall which will accomodate
over 150 people and a warming kitchen as well as an enclosed patio area. Currently the original schoolroom is used for
lectures and assemblies. This necessitates the moving aside of the antique school desks and other display items which,
no matter how careful we are, causes damage to these precious artifacts. Further, the schoolroom is only rated at a maximum
occupancy of 45 persons, not nearly enough.
We urgently need your donations to put together enough funding to complete Phase II!
The Phase II funding drive is called: "A DOLLAR A DAY".
We are asking each member to participate by pledging a "Dollar A Day" for each day in 2009. If each of our
members contributes just $1.00 a day we will have more than enough to complete Phase II.
Please help us get Phase II under construction in 2010.
Members (or non-members) who wish to provide this much needed support should contact us at:
29 Palms Historical Society
PO Box 1926
29 Palms, CA 92277
Phone: 760-367-2366
email: 29palmshistorical@gmail.com
“WE CAN CONTINUE TO WAIT OR TAKE ACTION”
EXPANSION FACTS - Phase II
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The outside of the new building will replicate the old building.
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The interior of the new building will continue to represent the details contained in the current building.
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The new building will not be higher than the current building.
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Phase II will be on the south side; Assembly-Lecture Hall and Kitchen.
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The Phase II building and patio will be handicapped accessible from Cottonwood and the parking lot.
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Phase II will encompass 1,440 square feet.
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Once complete the configuration of the Old Schoolhouse Museum will be in the shape of a "U".
In the center of the "U" will be an outdoor patio for meetings, summer lectures and barbecues.
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The patio will be enclosed with a low 'sitting wall' and a gate.
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The new Assembly-Lecture Hall load limits will be in excess of 150 people.
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The new Kitchen will be 360 square feet and far superior to the tiny room now called ‘kitchen.’
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The estimated cost for Phase II is $100.00 per square foot.
For more details please read our Society President's Message.
