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^ The project crew: Vinnie Partyka (left), John Micheletti (right) from Lonepine Construction and Bonnie Murry, project manager and Aspen Historical Society trustee (center)
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^ Bob Staradoj presents Ruth Whyte (right) a check from the sale of her property, which she in turn presents to 2000-01 Board President Bonnie Murry as a donation to the Aspen Historical Society for the renovation of the Wheeler/Stallard House.
Thank you Ruth!!
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| The Wheeler/Stallard Museum is an amazingly solid and sound structure, considering its age, and needed very little structural work. However, much of the tuckpointing (mortar work) on the exterior of the building was redone to stabilize the brickwork. All the plumbing, heating and electricity were replaced and brought up to city/county codes.
The interior was designed to accommodate state-of-the-art exhibits (and modern security, communications and fire prevention needs), but can be returned to its Victorian house style at a later date if the Aspen Historical Society should so choose. The floors throughout were replaced with hardwood consistent with the house's original floors. All fireplaces were restored (none to working order due to mechanical restrictions), although not all are visible now with exhibits installed.
Victorian light fixtures original to the house were reused, although their locations may have changed. All radiators, doors and their Victorian hardware were preserved, in their original places if possible, and if not are in storage for the future.
An exterior elevator was added and bathrooms were completely renovated and brought up to ADA specifications. The working kitchen was updated and designed to be used for the Aspen Historical Society events. The basement was completely updated for mechanical functions and a small working space for educational programming was added. The Garage continues to be a multi-function space—storage, work area, and catering space for grounds rentals. The attic was insulated, brought up to code and painted, and will continue to be used for non-public purposes, and storage.
A new patio and roof were installed, and the grounds were extensively re-designed and planted with historically consistent, flowers, trees and shrubs, in many cases preserving plantings that have been familiar to long-time visitors to the house. The picket fence which previously surrounded the grounds was (for the most part) removed to open the grounds and be more inviting to visitors and to encourage public use.
Volunteers and staff carefully packed and prepared over 1500 artifacts which had been exhibited in the Wheeler/Stallard House Museum and transferred them to down-valley storage. Now that the renovation is complete, many of those artifacts have been returned and are exhibited in the Spirit of Aspen Exhibit, an exciting and informative permanent exhibit at the Museum.
The renovation of the Wheeler/Stallard Museum and the design and installation of state-of-the-art exhibits are part of the Bridge to the Future Fund campaign. Many thanks to all our generous donors.
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