U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum Expansion in Huntsville Begins
Construction on a 36,200-square-foot expansion of the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum in Huntsville’s John Hunt Park commenced today, marking a significant step in preserving and showcasing American military history.
The notice to proceed was issued yesterday, October 14th, and Chorba Contracting of Guntersville is now mobilizing to begin earthwork on the $9.98 million project, according to the City of Huntsville. The Huntsville City Council recently authorized Mayor Tommy Battle to finalize the fixed-price agreement with Chorba for the 480-day construction timeline. The expansion will allow the museum to display artifacts currently in storage and enhance its educational offerings.
Museum Director Randy Withrow described the project as “an overnight success; it just took 20 years.” He explained that the new space will house artifacts spanning from the Revolutionary War forward, including a restored World War I “Liberty Truck” and an 1879 French train boxcar – the museum’s first acquisition. Plans also include dedicated displays for a Huey helicopter representing the Vietnam War era and a “MASH” Korean War helicopter. For more information on the museum’s current exhibits, visit the U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum website.
The new pre-engineered metal building will include a reception area, offices, a conference room, a gift shop, and various support spaces. Limited reroofing and repairs are also planned for the existing building, which currently focuses on aviation collections. The project team includes local firms Jeffrey Alpha Architecture, J.M. Phillips Engineering, and others; you can find more information about supporting veterans through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
A groundbreaking ceremony is being coordinated with the mayor’s office, and museum officials are now focused on rearranging collections and designing new displays for the expanded facility.
