ground zero museum

experience

Coleman Avenue is the historic main street of Waveland, and the School built in 1927 was the only historic structure left standing after the destruction of Hurricane Katrina and its 28-foot storm surge. Renovations included salvage of historic materials, removal of the non-historic gable roof, restoration of electrical and mechanical systems, finishes, and structural hardening of the brick masonry and foundation.

The restored structure was reinforced with extended foundations to deter scouring. A concrete slab was poured below the crawl space  to minimize moisture from underneath. Additional lateral strengthening was accomplished with steel columns bolted into the masonry walls with enlarged footing supports.

The Ground Zero Hurricane Museum tells the story of Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi, the loss and resilience that sets the people of the gulf coast apart and fosters a stronger community. The exhibit pays tribute to the lives lost in the storm, the history that was damaged, and the long period of recovery.

AIA Mississippi 2009 Merit Award

PROJECT DETAILS
Completed 2007
Program: Ground Zero Hurricane Museum
Cost: $4,400,000
Project Team:
unabridged Architecture, Architecture +
Graphic Design
Sparks Engineering, Historic Structural
Welch Color Conservation
John Speiwik, Historic Masonry/Plaster