SOMERS, WI (October 22, 2020) – The Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center (PAMPC) is pleased to officially kick off construction at its development in Somers, Wisconsin. PAMPC invites community members to visit its website to view an original, dedicated video featuring PAMPC leaders and supporters as they share their inspiration for the project and provide insight on the unique features and community benefits of the development.
“Putting the health and safety of our neighbors first, as well as regarding state and local COVID-19 safety protocols, we’ve transformed our previously planned in-person groundbreaking event into a virtual community celebration,” says Dr. Rob Havers, President & CEO of the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. “It was important for us to find a way to share the vision for the PAMPC with the Village of Somers because their input on this project is vital and we want our new neighbors engaged every step of the way.”
The PAMPC was created out of a need for additional space to house the archival collections of the Museum & Library in Chicago, IL. This state-of-the-art, institutional archival space will restore, preserve, and provide storage for collections that include books, artifacts, and other historical materials. Additionally, each PAMPC project component will serve to extend the mission of the Museum & Library by uniting the past with progress by advancing historic preservation, increasing the public understanding of military history and the sacrifices made by those who served.
The full PAMPC project will be completed in phases over an estimated ten years. The first phase of the project will include the Pritzker Military Archives Center, designed by JAHN, an award–winning, internationally recognized architectural firm, along with the surrounding community green space. Construction will follow on the Midwest Firearms Education & Training Center and Cold War Veterans Memorial. Building Commercial Archives storage is planned based on demand. It is the highest priority of the PAMPC to create a development of lasting value to share with our neighbors.
Less than seven percent of the total 288 acres will have buildings on them with the focus on preserving as much green space as possible for the community to enjoy. Construction, led by Pepper/Riley Construction and TAWANI Property Development, is set to begin in late October of this year, with workers following appropriate COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. Pepper/Riley Construction has an excellent reputation in Wisconsin and has been actively building in the state since 1965.
“The development of this project is critical for our economy,” says Missy Hughes, Wisconsin Economic Development Secretary & CEO. “Various communities in Wisconsin depend on tourism to bring revenue. Having a special project like this in a unique village and town like Somers gives us the opportunity to draw new visitors that will help our community prosper.”
To view the groundbreaking video and for more information about the Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center, visit www.pritzkerarchivespark.com. Community members can also sign up on the website to receive project updates via email.
###
About Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center
Located in Somers, Wisconsin, The Pritzker Archives & Memorial Park Center supports the Pritzker Military Museum & Library’s mission of preserving the past, present and future of the citizen soldier. This state-of-the-art archive center is a space to restore, preserve, and provide storage for collections that include books, artifacts and other historic materials. Other components of the project include a +9,000 square-foot Gallery that will display exhibits drawing from the Pritzker Military Museum & Library in Chicago, Commercial Archives, a Midwest Firearms Education & Training Center, Cold War Veterans Memorial, and community green space. To learn more, visit www.pritzkerarchivespark.com.