Rancho Santa Margarita leaders are still eyeing the Bell Tower Community Center for a new historical museum — but they need to ensure the community center can accommodate its size and design first.
City leaders discussed utilizing the southwest portion of the Bell Tower community center on Wednesday, Jan. 10 after originally proposing it in November. To accommodate the city’s extensive collection of artifacts, maps and city-related documents as well as future donations, city leaders say they need at least 1,600 square feet of space.
No other city-owned space exists that could accommodate the square footage needed, said city manager Jennifer Cervantez, and if the Bell Tower cannot be utilized, the museum project becomes “infeasible.”
New flooring, faux walls for hanging photos and artwork, paint, lighting and window shades would be needed for the museum space, said Cervantez. The city would also need to purchase cases, cabinets, pedestals, furniture and computer equipment for the museum, she said.
Ideally, Cervantez said, the city would unveil the collection of historical items in time for Rancho Santa Margarita’s 25th anniversary, Jan. 1, 2025.
The historical area is anticipated to serve as a passive space throughout the year, with occasional staffing for educational classes or tours.
Cervantez said the hours of operation would be Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with special consideration given to school tours. Events and rotating exhibitions may be organized periodically by the city.
The Rancho Santa Margarita staff collaborated with a design firm to come up with a budget for the museum, totaling just about $300,000. This funding would come from this year’s capital improvement project budget, according to the staff report.
“From a community standpoint,” said Councilmember Jerry Holloway, “you always look at the cost of something and ask if the benefit is there. This is a big project that will take time, as it should to…
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