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A.M. Higley Jams On $135M Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Expansion

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland is undergoing a $135 million expansion project, led by contractor A.M. Higley. The PAU-designed new wing will feature an event area, education spaces, and a student center, aiming to enhance public access and engagement with the museum's rich history and influence on rock music. The project is expected to be completed by 2026.

Tue January 28, 2025 - Midwest Edition #3
Cindy Riley – CEG Correspondent


A $135 million expansion project is under way at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that will increase exhibition space and renovate the familiar glass pyramid designed by legendary architect I.M. Pei.   (Jason Smalcer/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame photo) Considerable heavy machinery is required for the expansion and renovation, including two large cranes and earthmoving equipment. 
   (Jason Smalcer/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame photo) The most difficult/time-consuming part of the job will be constructing unique portions of the design, such as a concrete elliptical wall and a large expansive green roof.   (Jason Smalcer/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame photo) Construction has included the excavation of vertical shafts for caissons extending more than 100 ft. deep through layers of lakefront landfill. Nearly 200 were completed as part of the project.   (Jason Smalcer/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame photo) Site work began in fall 2023. Roughly 300 truckloads of soil were removed, with 40 truckloads of concrete already poured.
   (Jason Smalcer/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame photo)

Springsteen. Elvis. Aretha. Dylan.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (RRHOF) in Cleveland, Ohio, has a long tradition of honoring music royalty. Now, a $135 million expansion project is under way that will increase the museum's exhibition space and renovate the familiar glass pyramid designed by legendary architect I.M. Pei.

"Expanding the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum footprint provides greater public access to the ideals of rock and roll," said Tim Offtermat, RRHOF construction project executive. "Our mission is to engage, teach and inspire. Expanding public access to that mission is exciting."

Jason Smalcer/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame photo

The Rock Hall, as it's also known, documents the history of rock music and the artists, producers, engineers and others who have influenced its development. This major tourist attraction welcomes more than half a million guests each year, with an annual regional impact of $225 million. Offtermat said the latest construction will take things to the next level.

"There is much momentum for development in Cleveland at this time, and the Rock Hall is at the forefront of these projects. For example, the city of Cleveland has identified a ‘shore to core to shore' focus on development in and around the central city. Billions of dollars in development along the Lake Erie shore and in the Cuyahoga River Valley, complement a new corporate headquarters of Sherwin Williams in Cleveland, among other developments."

The creative force behind the expansion is PAU, the Practice for Architecture and Urbanism. Plans call for a triangular-shaped building that will interlock with the original glass structure and will feature black steel and specular granite. Construction will include an indoor event and performance area, education spaces and a student center.

Offtermat said the project will better serve the community and fans by allowing the museum to remain open during special events that formerly required closing it. The ongoing construction also will facilitate access to the lakefront, long a goal of civic Cleveland, and will provide more non-ticketed space for the community to enjoy at the Rock Hall.

A.M. Higley serves as contractor for the transformational project.

"Not only have they worked many times with the Rock Hall, but they are a strong regional player that can read the availability of material and labor for the project," Offtermat noted.

While plans have not been finalized, a lakefront connector would play an important role in the expansion.

"That is a different project being conducted by the city of Cleveland. The Rock Hall project is not dependent on the lakefront connector. However, if that project comes to fruition, it will provide another means of access to the lakefront and the Rock Hall."

Planning the new wing and museum renovations has been a delicate undertaking, but organizers feel they've struck the right chord.

"We believe the design complements without contrasting with the Pei design," said Offtermat, adding that the main challenge for workers is the job site itself.

"The project is built on a landfill and is located between two existing structures that will remain open during construction."

Late last fall, concrete and deep foundation work were taking place. The project was in the early stages of construction administration, while drawings were being finalized.

"About one-half of the major construction contracts have been let, so there are still about one-half to do," Offtermat explained. "Purchasing of materials still must be completed, and the bulk of the construction is yet to take place."

According to Offtermat, some specific areas of the existing facility will be torn down, but no significant demolition has been required.

Site work began in fall 2023. Roughly 300 truckloads of soil were removed, with 40 truckloads of concrete already poured.

Construction has included the excavation of vertical shafts for caissons extending more than 100 ft. deep through layers of lakefront landfill. Nearly 200 were completed as part of the project.

Jason Smalcer/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame photo

Considerable heavy machinery is required for the expansion and renovation, including two large cranes and earthmoving equipment. The most difficult/time-consuming part of the job will be constructing unique portions of the design, such as a concrete elliptical wall and a large expansive green roof.

Offtermat said it's challenging keeping the current space open during construction, but not impossible.

"We are used to projects taking place in the museum, and we are planning on getting the work done with as minimal disruption as possible. It does take some effort to step back from the day-to-day and project into the future for the thousands who will enjoy the end-product."

New construction completion is scheduled for mid to late summer 2026, while updating Ertegun Hall is expected to be completed in 2027. The latter is a subsequent phase and is not included in the current cost.

In July 2024, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced it had received $7 million in gifts to support its expansion, coming from the Cleveland Foundation, the KeyBank Foundation and Ken and Martha Taylor. The Taylors' $4 million gift will be recognized by naming a community park that will be built as part of the construction. The Taylor family owns and operates Ohio CAT and Ohio Peterbilt.

Looking ahead, Offtermat said the expansion and renovation will celebrate rock and roll, while serving as an inspiration for future generations of fans.

"The spirit is kept alive by continuing to expand the audience for all music influencing the love of rock and roll. We hope visitors find the project more interactive and easy to enjoy." CEG




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