The Midland Center for the Arts is recovering from harsh flood damages and hopes to reopen some learning programs for the summer. The DOAN History Center, the HH Dow Museum and the Carriage House Hall/Bradley Home and the Center for the Arts main building all took in flood waters.
Terri Trotter is Midland Center for the Arts President & CEO. She said she’s unsure of the total cost of damages but estimates it to be between $8 to $10 million. While there is no set reopening date, Trotter expects there to be programming over the summer.
“We’re dealing with two things here; we’re dealing with flood issues and how are we recovering from that,” Trotter said. “Then we have other side which is; what are we allowed to do (once we reopen)?”
Many artifacts from the History center were saved. Most are being stored in freezers at Saginaw Valley State University to preserve them until specialty restoration companies are hired to restore them.
“We do not yet have a spending plan for this. We’re trying to figure everything out just like anyone else who’s been effected by the flood,” Trotter said. “Their will certainly be a variety of options for us.”
The Center for the Arts has already submitted damage estimates to FEMA. Also, the Michigan Museum Association did a fundraising campaign for the Center of the Arts as well as the history museum in Sanford. Trotter commemorated the Midland community for making donations and volunteering.
Flood waters knocked out the high-voltage electrical system in the Center for the Arts. As of Monday, June 8 the Center for the Arts does not have full power and is relying on generator and emergency power supplies.
Trotter said repair efforts are overseen by Vice President of Operations and Guest Experience Jon Loos, with assistance from staff and volunteers. SERVPRO, a restoration company, was also hired.
Around 160,000 people visit the Center for the Arts per year.
“We just learned last week that we would be able to open the museum, and we can’t yet reopen the theaters. So, now we’re juggling what does all that mean -- in terms of getting ready to open the facilities as we’re also trying to repair damaged.” Trotter said.
