Dubuque Museum of Art

Dubuque, IA

The Dubuque Museum of Art (DuMA) creates engaging art experiences that excite, inspire, and connect the community—a thriving cultural hub where people of diverse backgrounds and perspectives achieve a deep understanding of the past, an empathetic view of the present, and an inspired outlook for the future.

Over the past twenty years, DuMA’s collection has grown by five hundred percent to include more than 2,700 objects. DuMA’s current building is a repurposed bank originally built in 1976 and renovated in 1999. In 2022, DuMA conducted a needs assessment and operational feasibility study which included robust market research and evaluation of facilities and operations. The feasibility study highlighted that in order to fully execute its mission and vision, DuMA must re-examine its physical infrastructure. In particular, the study highlighted the Museum’s outdated infrastructure, inadequate square footage and lack of storage availability on-site. DuMA is currently building a Schulhof Rashidi Architects (SRA) designed museum campus that will more than triple their footprint in downtown Dubuque and allow DuMA to showcase more of its collection; engage more students; and contribute to creative placemaking.

DuMA’s expansion is a transformational expansion project that will promote cultural vibrancy on a dramatic and efficient new scale. With the support of FCI, it will optimize its HVAC systems and reduce reliance on natural gas through the installation of a heat recovery chiller. The building will also include high performance and energy efficiency mechanical, and lighting systems and automated controls, systems commissioning, and photovoltaic readiness.

Milestones

• Reduce 40 percent EUI, 30 percent electrical power, and 49 percent natural gas consumption annually

• Overall build

• 40 percent reduction of the site EUI compared to a baseline building

• 30 percent reduction of electrical power or 446,500 kWh annually

• 49 percent reduction of natural gas consumption or 12,102 therms annually

• Annual avoided cost of $36,866

• Heat recovery chiller impact

• 17 percent reduction of the site EUI compared to a baseline building

• 11 percent increase of electrical power or 73,650 kWh annually

• 74 percent reduction of natural gas consumption or 18,950 therms annually

• Annual avoided cost of $5,075