WINTER HOLBEN Creates Strategic Vision and Expansion Opportunities for Albacore Park
Originally formed as the Bring Back Albacore committee, the Portsmouth Submarine Memorial Association, custodians of the USS Albacore, are thinking about the future. Some of the members of the PSMA are former crewmembers of the massive ship, serving on the Albacore during the 19 years she was active, and helping bring her to her current home just outside the parameters of the downtown historic district of Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
Between the funds necessary to move the substantial ship from its resting place in Philadelphia, the necessary approvals from city officials, approvals from both houses of Congress and a signature from President Reagan, bringing Albacore to its resting place in Portsmouth was no small feat. Beyond the time and paperwork for necessary approvals – there was also the physical effort of transporting the submarine, which required removing a railroad trestle, dredging a channel and cutting through a four-lane highway.
The immeasurable amount of time, effort, and community support poured into this historic landmark and museum was a wise investment. On average the park welcomes over 40,000 visitors a year, making it the most widely-visited museum in New Hampshire. With self-guided tours, museum visitors can move through the ship at their own pace, with a hands-on experience for learning, as well as audio stations to memorialize what life was like on the Albacore, told by crewmembers themselves.
As regular visitors of the USS Albacore and a firm that is dedicated to bettering the community they live and work in, the Winter Holben team was thrilled to be approached by the PSMA to help them establish a clear vision and design options for the evolution of the park. The multidisciplinary firm is perfectly suited to think holistically about all the aspects involved in the museum experience including:
- Branding
- Wayfinding
- Experiential Elements
- Gathering Spaces
- Space Planning
- Architecture
The Principals have vast experience in culminating the above with the ideas and vision of clients to create an innovate, exciting designs that celebrate and preserve historical spaces. The initial phases of work have begun – starting with meetings with the many important stakeholders – Museum Staff and Members of the PSMA, among others.