By Carol Eaton I


n the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, CA, Armstrong Associates and its team of predominately local


subcontractors are racing to complete a highly anticipated, landmark project designed to take innovation and inter- active education to a whole new level of fun. MOXI, Te Wolf Museum of


Exploration + Innovation had already generated plenty of community interest and support long before it broke ground in 2014. Originally envisioned as a children’s museum by the late, world renowned architect Barry Berkus, the project evolved to its current form as a fun, interactive educational center for “kids of all ages.” Now rebranded as MOXI, the museum aligns its mission with national goals to elevate the study of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and to boost critical thinking skills. Although Berkus died in 2012


before he could see his vision become reality, the project bears the architect’s distinctive stamp with its whimsical appeal, extensive use of curved walls, and sand castle-like appearance – making it uniquely suited to its locale mere blocks from the Pacific Ocean.


Collaborative Effort Te design and construction of


MOXI represents a collaborative effort by a variety of Santa Barbara-based companies and individuals. Longtime Santa Barbara general contractor and AGC member Armstrong Associates was selected to build the 17,000- sq.-ft. structure, which is on track for completion this fall. Local architect AB Design Studio, Inc. took over the design process after Berkus died and infused the museum project with its own flair, delivering a sculptural, asymmetrical three-story building with panoramic views of the Santa Barbara waterfront, city and mountains. MOXI CEO and President Steve Hinkley has played a significant role


www.AGC-CA.org


It’s going to be the first fully inter- active museum in Santa Barbara, and I know my children and people of all ages will love MOXI.” Te project’s State Street location


next to the train depot is ideally suited, Anderson said. “It’s going to be a huge draw. People will take the train into town and then literally walk next door to visit the museum.”


Community Pride Te tangible sense of pride and


Photo by Lindsey Hahn Photography, Featuring Templeton Steel


overseeing the project, along with a project manager hired by the owner. Approximately 45 mostly local subcon- tractors and suppliers have also been integral to the construction process. For all those


involved in helping create and deliver this unique addition to Santa Barbara’s cityscape, MOXI is a considerable source of pride, said Armstrong Associates Director of Operations Bill Shields. “Tis project


really gives us a sense of community,” Shields said. “To be able to build something like this locally and have our names associated with it is awesome.” Senior Project


Manager Chris Anderson added, “As a father myself I am so excited to complete this amazing project and cannot wait for the grand opening.


ownership by the project team is prevalent throughout the Santa Barbara community as well and has helped drive the successful fundraising efforts. To date, over $20 million in donations have been raised for the MOXI project, including a major donation from the Santa Barbara resident, “Law & Order” creator, Dick Wolf, after whom the building is named. Te City of Santa Barbara also played a key role in bringing the


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