Work Begun on Museum Unit

Construction has begun on the third phase of the San Diego Historical Society’s $2-million Museum of San Diego History in Balboa Park, scheduled for completion next summer.

The architect is Robert D. Ferris, and the contractor is Trepte Construction Co., whose director of marketing, Paul Muzzy, said:

“Construction of the 20,000-square-foot facility is taking place in phases as funds are raised. This phase will feature a 100-seat audio/visual theater, projection room, gift shop and the Great American Gallery.”

The completed, two-story museum will feature exhibits telescoping more than 100 years of San Diego history, while additional changing galleries will be reserved for visiting exhibits from the Smithsonian and other major institutions.

The museum’s lower level will house the society’s research archives, including the library, manuscript, public records, curatorial and photographic departments and an artifact conservation laboratory. A 400-seat auditorium will be used for seminars and meetings.