May 24, 2007

UWF TO DEVELOP MOU WITH COMMUNITY MARITIME PARK ASSOCIATES; GETS APPROVAL FOR SIZE AND SCOPE OF MARITIME MUSEUM

PENSACOLA - At a special meeting of the Community Maritime Park Associates (CMPA) Board, the University of West Florida (UWF) was asked to develop a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that addresses several issues related to the design and construction of the Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center: delegate authority to UWF to develop and design the Museum as required by state statutes; require UWF to coordinate museum location with the master developer to be approved by CMPA; require UWF to ensure that exterior design is consistent with Architectural Design Guidelines to be approved by CMPA; require CMPA to provide the ground lease and to ensure completion of site infrastructure; and subject to the MOU terms, approve the preliminary concept so exhibit and museum sponsors can be identified and fundraising completed.
The CMPA Board directed that the MOU be developed and brought to the next regularly scheduled meeting June 8 for approval.

"As we begin this process, I know that the CMPA board recognizes that maritime museums and aquariums around the world have a unique ability to adapt to their requirements," said Nancy Fetterman. "These museums can be ships, homes or buildings developed just for the purpose of information about the environment in which they are placed - in our case - Florida. Each exhibit should contribute to a personal transformation that informs visitors, allowing reflection about the past while providing a sense of the continual changes in our environment, culture and history."

Additionally, UWF received conceptual approval to move forward with the design of a three-level museum with approximately 50,000 square feet that will include several major exhibit elements: a signature 125,000 gallon marine aquarium that will focus on marine life in local waters and include a simulated shipwreck, a 100-125 seat interactive theatre, space for both permanent and changing exhibits, an education center and restaurant that will feature artifacts from the former Trader Jon's.

"The action today by the CMPA Board ensures that the museum project will be designed and built within the location and design guidelines being developed," said UWF President John Cavanaugh. "We want to assure the community that the museum will be the world-class facility UWF promised and will provide the exhibit and educational programs to keep visitors coming back."

Obtaining the CMPA Board's approval for moving forward was essential for the project, noted UWF's Vice President for Development Dean Van Galen. "As we discuss naming opportunities for the museum's signature exhibits, such as the marine aquarium, it is important that donors be assured that the CMPA supports the concepts."

Nationally renowned museum designer Doug Mund has provided the initial concepts for the exhibits and basic structure for the museum. His previous projects include the New England Aquarium and the Virginia Marine Science Museum.

For more information, contact Van Galen at (850) 474-3306 or e-mail dvangalen@uwf.edu.