Acknowledging the Gallery's unique status, architects and engineers were decidedly challenged by the enormous responsibility in approaching needed renovations and alterations to this renowned institution. They had to proceed with great care, creating change that would not encroach on historic character.
The Gallery needed a plan for future renovations that would safeguard its treasures, public, and staff; extend facility life; incorporate technological advances in environmental conditioning and electrical support; and reduce the risks of future systems failures. The Gallery hired architectural/engineering firm VITETTA to develop a master facilities plan (MFP) with a flexible framework to guide phased renovation efforts over a period of years and to dovetail construction budgets with federal funding streams.