Packard Museum receives $1 million for expansion

WARREN— The National Packard Museum has received $1 million to expand.

Another wing will be added to the building located on Mahoning Avenue. Bruce Williams, chairman of the expansion committee and a museum board member, said the addition will allow for more automotive displays and a few more offices.

“It should allow for 40 more cars to be displayed,” he said.

In addition to more car displays, the current displays can be enlarged, he said.

Baker and Bednar Associates, architects, have been hired at $88,000. The plan is to break ground in the spring and the projected completion date is June 2009.

Funds were allocated to the city of Warren for the museum through the 2005 Federal Transportation Bill. That bill also allotted $1.7 million to W.D. Packard Music Hall for renovations.

The expansion plan includes the construction of an 80- by 120- foot steel and block, single story structure addition on the northwest side.

The main entrance will be moved from Mahoning Avenue to the north side parking lot. Williams said it will be more accessible.

The original structure will also be renovated, according to Bill Totten, city engineer.

Installation of overhead doors, minor structural repairs and exterior drainage provisions are part of the renovation.

An open house to present information on the expansion will be 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at the museum. Exhibits, handouts and comment sheets will be made available.