Calvo authorizes museum’s construction in capital, major work to begin in 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 6, 2012
Republican Senators (from left) Mana Silva Taijeron, Frank Blas Jr., Chris Duenas, and Tony Ada express their support for the upcoming Guam museum at Skinner Plaza. The incumbent lawmakers attended a media conference where Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and members of his administration unveiled the design of the museum, which will be the centerpiece of transforming Hagåtña into the cultural and historic center of Guam.
HagÃ¥tña is poised once again to be the cultural and historic center of Guam. This morning, Governor Eddie Baza Calvo approved a plan to build a new Guam museum in the capital of our island. During a ceremony at Adelup, Governor Calvo signed Bill No. 454-31 into law (Public Law No. 31-232). The law transfers the authority over Skinner Plaza, which will be the site of the museum, to the Governor. The legislation was made possible by the strong support from Vice Speaker B.J. Cruz, and Senators Tom Ada and Chris Duenas. Governor Calvo and members of his administration unveiled the museum’s design today.
“Guam’s capital will see a bright future thanks to its focus on our unique and important past,” Governor Calvo said. “HagÃ¥tña will be a shining beacon of our culture for all to see. This is the first step in the long journey this administration will take to revitalize and reinvigorate our capital. I’m excited for everyone–tourists and Guamanians alike, to benefit from this historic plan.”
The planned Guam museum is shown from its entrance, in a 3D rendering from architectural firm Cristobal & Laguana. The museum plans were unveiled at a media conference Thursday morning by Governor Eddie Baza Calvo and members of his administration.
Minor landscaping work will be done this year, to allow for standing events to be conducted without interruption. Additionally, an archeological survey will be conducted in the coming months. Major construction work is expected to begin in 2013.
The firm of Cristobal & Laguana (the architects of the museum design) along with Monte Mesa, Chairman of the Board of the Friends of the Guam Museum, presented the latest museum blueprints to Governor Calvo, representatives from RW Armstrong, the Program Management Office for the Guam Museum and all HOT Bond Projects, GEDA representatives and the management of the Department of Chamorro Affairs for their approval.
Chairman Mesa, along with Guam Museum Foundation Executive Director Leona Young, will continue their informational tour on the Guam museum with the general public and key civic organizations for the next few weeks.
“I am honored to have been chosen as Chairman of the Friends of the Guam Museum and very fortunate to benefit from all the years of research and work of the Guam Museum Foundation. We have a board that is committed to helping to raise awareness and additional funding for the Guam Museum and will work as a complementary component of the Department of Chamorro Affairs, RW Armstrong and the Governor’s office as it pertains to the construction, set up and eventual operations of the museum.”
HOT Bond Projects
The museum is the centerpiece of a number of projects funded through the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Bond. As a direct result of the museum’s move to Skinner Plaza, a decision that was made by Governor Calvo and agreed by the Legislature, about 90 percent of the projects outlined can now be funded. A list of HOT bond projects is attached for your reference and use.
About Guam Museum
The construction of the Guam Museum is a part of a Capital Improvement Program established by Public Law 30-228 which utilizes proceeds from the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Revenue Bonds to fund various projects specified in the law, including the renovation and restoration of the Plaza de Espana in Hagatna and the Inarajan Community Center. The total cost of the projects is estimated at $70M. $27M has been allocated for the construction of the Guam Museum.
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For more information, or to schedule an interview, call Troy Torres at 486-8887 or GEDA Administrator Karl Pangelinan at 647-4332.