When the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass embarked on its first major facility renovation in more than 30 years, creating a more accessible, modern, and welcoming experience for visitors was a top priority. Bassett Mechanical was proud to partner with the museum and Miron Construction to help bring that vision to life.
Located in Neenah, Wisconsin, the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum is one of the nation’s premier glass museums and the only consistently admission-free museum in the Fox Cities area. The $800,000 renovation modernized gallery spaces, improved accessibility, upgraded lighting systems, and transformed how visitors experience the museum’s nationally recognized collection.
A New Vision for the Gallery Space
A key component of the renovation involved combining two separate gallery spaces into one larger, open exhibit area overlooking Lake Winnebago. To achieve this vision, the existing drop ceiling was removed, exposing the building’s structure and mechanical systems above.
Bassett Mechanical was brought in to redesign and modify the HVAC system to support the newly configured space.
“Our challenge was figuring out how to make multiple HVAC systems work together in what was now one large gallery,” said Bassett Construction Account Manager Zach Gronski. “The space had originally been served by separate zones, so we had to develop a solution that would provide consistent comfort throughout the gallery while preventing the systems from competing against each other.”
Solving Challenges Behind the Ceiling
As is often the case with renovation projects, once construction began, the team encountered conditions that were not visible during the planning phase. Existing structural elements, hidden utilities, and limited space above the ceiling required ongoing coordination between all trades.
The exposed ceiling design presented additional challenges. The original plenum return system relied on the ceiling cavity to circulate return air. Once the ceiling was removed, Bassett needed to ensure proper airflow while preventing condensation from developing on the roof structure.
The team also faced tight space constraints due to the limited clearance between the roof deck and the finished ceiling. Working around structural beams, soffits, and other building features required careful planning and field adjustments throughout construction.
“Constant communication was critical,” Gronski said. “With renovation work, you uncover new conditions as walls and ceilings come down. Maintaining an open line of communication with the general contractor allowed us to quickly evaluate issues and find solutions that kept the project moving.”
Balancing Comfort and Visitor Experience
Because the new gallery features an exposed ceiling, Bassett incorporated duct silencers into the design to minimize noise from nearby HVAC equipment and maintain a comfortable environment for guests.
The result is a clean, open space that showcases both the museum’s architecture and its collection while providing reliable heating, cooling, and ventilation for visitors year-round.
“Bassett did a beautiful job helping us adapt the mechanical systems once we opened up the space,” said Amy Moorefield, Executive Director of the Bergstrom-Mahler Museum of Glass. “The project required a lot of teamwork, and Bassett was a fantastic partner throughout the renovation. Their service team has supported our facility for years, and this project was another example of that partnership.”
A Trusted Partner Beyond the Project
The renovation grew from a longstanding relationship between Bassett Mechanical and the museum. As the museum’s HVAC service provider, Bassett had supported the facility for years prior to the renovation and was a natural partner as plans for the project began to take shape.
Completed while the museum remained open to the public, the renovation successfully modernized spaces that had remained largely untouched since the facility opened. Today, visitors are greeted by brighter galleries, improved accessibility features, and enhanced exhibit spaces designed to serve the community for years to come.
Through proactive collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a strong partnership with the project team, Bassett helped create an environment that supports the museum’s mission of making art, education, and culture accessible to everyone.
