Second Wave Construction Update: Enclosure Milestones and Interior Beginnings

The Second Wave expansion at the National Museum of the Great Lakes is nearing another exciting milestone! Over the past few weeks, our construction team has made significant progress on the exterior of the new 5,000-square-foot addition, and we’re thrilled to share the latest updates with you.

The roofers are putting the finishing touches on the new roof, bringing us one step closer to fully enclosing the space. This crucial work ensures that the interior remains protected, paving the way for the next phase of development. Alongside the roof, the brick façade is nearly complete, giving the addition a polished and cohesive look that seamlessly ties it to the existing museum structure.

Check out the latest progress photos.

Exterior facade work is nearing completion.

Roofing and facade work is almost complete on new entrance.

Brick facade work is almost complete on 5,000 square foot addition.

Working on the roof.

With the exterior of the building almost fully finished, our focus is shifting to the interior. Over the coming months, crews will begin transforming this space into an enriching environment that serves our community in new and exciting ways. The expansion includes:

  • New Exhibit Space: Dive deeper into Great Lakes history with fresh, interactive exhibits designed to inspire curiosity and celebrate the region’s rich heritage.
  • Community Education Hub: A dedicated space for workshops, lectures, and programs, furthering our mission to educate and engage visitors of all ages.
  • New Office Space: Expanded facilities for our growing team to continue innovating and delivering exceptional experiences for museum visitors.

This transformation is a pivotal step in fulfilling our vision of becoming the central gathering place for all conversations about the Great Lakes. As we move into this next chapter, we’ll continue to keep you updated on the progress.

Stay tuned for future updates and sneak peeks as we shape this space into a dynamic hub for history, education, and community connection. Thank you for your ongoing support as we navigate this exciting phase of the Second Wave expansion!

Want to help us bring this vision to life? Consider supporting the Second Wave Campaign with a donation today. Every contribution helps us get closer to realizing our shared dream for the National Museum of the Great Lakes.