Timeline extended for stormwater improvements at art museum

The construction timeline for stormwater improvements adjacent to the Springfield Art Museum has been extended amid industrywide staffing and supply shortages.

The $2.3 million project, which had been slated to wrap this fall, has a new deadline of spring 2022, according to a news release.

Hartman and Co. Inc. is general contractor for the project, which is designed to reduce flooding and improve water quality to properties near the museum. The work, which recently hit its midpoint, also includes restoring a portion of Fassnight Creek to a naturalized channel along Brookside Drive between Kings Avenue and Greene Avenue, as well as the installation of two pedestrian bridges and vegetation.

“The city has been coordinating closely with Hartman as construction has progressed,” said Kirkland Preston, city project manager, in the release. “We were hopeful the project could keep to the original timeline and wrap up this fall, but unfortunately that won’t be possible under the current conditions. Per their contract, Hartman has until mid-April to complete the project.”

Hartman has had delays due to subcontractor scheduling and materials supply, similar to others in the construction industry, according to the release.

The improvement project is part of the art museum's 30-year master plan, which calls for up to $19 million in expansion work and improvements, according to past reporting.