Tape, Magnetic
Mamfeldt Associates Presentation
1987 (Date manufactured/created)
Cassette Tape #9 containing audio recordings made on June 30, 1987 and July 28, 1987 in which the architectural firm Malmfeldt Associates of Glastonbury, CT presents ideas and concepts regarding plans for the new addition (Mills Building) to the Society's campus. A significant portion of the first session was a review of other projects completed by this architectural firm. Then the presenter showed a preliminary plan for an L-shape addition with an entrance on the north/Palisado Green side and connecting to the Wilson building seamlessly but in a way that would rectify the existing code violations regarding second floor egress. Malmfeldt Associates proposed a corridor and second stairway, a director's office opposite the elevator, an adjacent collection work area/exhibit design space and a photo lab on the second floor. The first floor would have a 3-D object exhibit hall and a second gallery space for a Windsor history exhibit. Leaving the Wilson meeting room untouched, they would include a larger kitchen, and only limited excavation in the basement area for the elevator machinery pit. Concerns about the high water table suggested prudence in this regard. HVAC systems would use the existing boiler but add a second air handling system. A gift shop/reception area on the first floor would include a lot of glass and be a bright and welcoming space. The library would remain in the board room on the second floor of the Wilson addition. The gambrel roof line of the Fyler House would and the dormers of the Wilson building would be replicated in the exterior elevations. Concerns brought up by the committee included the need for addional storage area for collection objects and library stacks, the possible need for a fire suppression system, and extensive conversation about the windows proposed for the exhibit gallery space.
The architect returned for a second visit and showed a rendering of the proposed design which incorporated some of the suggestions made by the committee during the first discussion. He wants to emphasize the gambrel roof lines, remove the dormers, add another chimney stack to balance the one on the west end of the Wilson building, move the photo lab to the basement, incorporate wood shingles to mimic those on the Fyler House, and replace the rail fence with a picket fence. Again discussion centered on the windows in the exhibit galleries and the possible use of shutters which could be closed against light on the objects. The suggestion to remove the 20th century porch and toy room/shop addition on the front of the Fyler House was met with skepticism.
Side 1 (June 30, 1987) run time 47 minutes
Side 2 (July 28, 1987) run time 46 minutes
Tape was digitally reformatted in 2008 by John Berky to archival wav and mp3 formats as well as digital audio use copies. See 2008.87.6 and 2008.87.15 and 16.
Digital files downloaded to M:\Oral Histories87.60.1_MALMFELDT ASSOCIATES
The architect returned for a second visit and showed a rendering of the proposed design which incorporated some of the suggestions made by the committee during the first discussion. He wants to emphasize the gambrel roof lines, remove the dormers, add another chimney stack to balance the one on the west end of the Wilson building, move the photo lab to the basement, incorporate wood shingles to mimic those on the Fyler House, and replace the rail fence with a picket fence. Again discussion centered on the windows in the exhibit galleries and the possible use of shutters which could be closed against light on the objects. The suggestion to remove the 20th century porch and toy room/shop addition on the front of the Fyler House was met with skepticism.
Side 1 (June 30, 1987) run time 47 minutes
Side 2 (July 28, 1987) run time 46 minutes
Tape was digitally reformatted in 2008 by John Berky to archival wav and mp3 formats as well as digital audio use copies. See 2008.87.6 and 2008.87.15 and 16.
Digital files downloaded to M:\Oral Histories87.60.1_MALMFELDT ASSOCIATES
1987.060.001