The Museo de Arte de Ponce selects RMA Architects, PCS for the repair of its main building

(Ponce, Puerto Rico – November 9, 2022) – The Museo de Arte de Ponce announced today that in December will begin repairs to the main building of the institution, designed by the renowned architect Edward Durell Stone in 1965, after the selection of the Puerto Rican firm RMA Architects PCS to lead the project. The iconic structure, which houses the museum’s art galleries, was severely damaged by the January 2020 earthquakes. The work also includes the strengthening of the building in the context of the new seismic reality that faces the southwestern region of the island.

“For us, at the Museo de Arte de Ponce, it is vital to have a competent and reliable company, with the capacity to provide solutions for the repair of the building, while preserving the original design as conceived by its architect, Edward Durell Stone and our founder, my grandfather, Luis A. Ferré,” said María Luisa Ferré Rangel, President of the Board of Trustees of the institution.  “We are very pleased with the selection of RMA Architects, led by architect Jeanette Rullán. This is a Puerto Rican company, whose team is composed mostly of professional women, who have an excellent track record in the field of architectural design,” added Ferré Rangel.

The firm was chosen after a rigorous bidding and evaluation process that involved the participation of six companies specialized in design and project management, which submitted their proposals from an open call made by the institution.

“At RMA Architects we are very proud to contribute to the cultural heritage of Ponce and Puerto Rico, working on the repair of the main building of the Museo de Arte de Ponce, designed in the 60s by renowned architect Edward Durell Stone. We are happy to be part of this important stage of the museum.  Together with our partner companies, we are committed to work hand in hand with the museum’s team on such an important project for our Island.  The museum is a legacy that is vital to keep alive so that it continues to carry out its important work in the community and for the enjoyment of new generations,” said Rullán.

 Due to the complexity of the project, which is expected to be completed between 2024-2025, RMA Architects PCS has assembled a team of specialists who will work together with the local team.  Under his management will be the firms Silman, FX Collaborative Architects and Warren A. James Architecture + Planning.

“We are confident that with the wealth of knowledge and experience of architect Rullán, her team and the firms allied to the project, we will be able to meet all the needs presented by the building to ensure that it is safe and efficient, according to the standards of the best edifications built in the XXI century. This, will be accomplished without losing the iconic image provided by the Edward Durell Stone building to the urban fabric of the City of Ponce, “reiterated Cheryl Hartup, Directorof the Ministry.

Based in San Juan, RMA Architecs, PCS, was founded in 1996 by Jeannette Rullan and it is certified as a Women – Owned Small Business.  The company is committed to the development of sustainable and resilient projects. Its works include projects commissioned by the Federal Government of the United States such as seismic studies carried out on buildings in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands; the restoration of the headquarters of the Tropical Forest Institute, in conjunction with the State Office of Historic Preservation of the Government of Puerto Rico; and the U.S. General Services Administration Hurricane Center repair project in Puerto Rico. In addition, the company is in charge of the remodeling of the historic Casa Roig Museum, located in the Municipality of Humacao, among other projects.

On the other hand, Silman a firm specialized in structural engineering with more than 50 years of experience in the market, has over 400 renovation and restoration projects of historic buildings in the United States. These include the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, in Washington D.C., also designed by Edward Durell Stone; the Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Hispanic Society of America, in the City of New York. In Puerto Rico, it was one of the firms that participated in the restoration work of the San José Church, in Old San Juan.

 Under the direction of architect Sylvia J. Smith, FX Collaborative Architects joins the team to contribute its expertise in urban and interior design, architecture and historic preservation. The group is completed by architect Warren A. James, a Puerto Rican born in Arecibo and resident of the firm Warren A. James Architecture + Planning, based in New York. James is no stranger to the Museo de Arte de Ponce, since in 1995 he collaborated in the design of the exhibition “Goya in Ponce” and in 2014 with the exhibition “Jack Délano: 100 years”. His studio specializes in integrating architecture with art and his knowledge in the museum field is extensive. His projects include his participation in the design of the inaugural exhibition of the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico and projects for the Museum of the City of New York, the Museo del Barrio, the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York.

Likewise, the Museo de Arte de Ponce carried out a bidding and evaluation process for the selection of the Project Management firm who will collaborate with the restoration of the Museum.  The firm selected was CPM PR LLC.  CPM is a Puerto Rican company leader in the industry providing integrated project management, engineering and technical advisory services with more than 30 years of experience.  The company has managed important projects on the island in the areas of infrastructure, pharmaceutical, medical devices, manufacturing, commercial and institutional.  Among the projects associated with the conservation of historic structures, CPM supported the restoration of the San José Church and the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico, among others.  CPM’s effort with the Museo de Arte de Ponce will be led by Héctor Javier Rivera and Miguel Mercado Pagán, both licensed engineers and residents of Ponce, along with their excellent team specialized in project management and construction inspection.

“With the beginning of the repair work, the Museo de Arte de Ponce begins a new stage in its history. We know that it will be an arduous process, but our commitment will remain firm in continuing to carry out activities in our safe spaces, providing access to the collection in local and international museums and carrying out our educational and community empowerment programs,” said María Luisa Ferré Rangel. “I am sure that we will have the support of all in our goal of returning to Puerto Ricans this cultural heritage so important for our island and that has given us so much international recognition,” concluded Ferré Rangel.

Group image on the façade of the MAP: From left to right, Nicholas Garrison, FX Collaborative Architects;  Warren James of Warren James Architecture + Planning;  Jeannette Rullán of RMA Architects PCS;  Christina Rodríguez Vázquez of FX Collaborative Architects;  Cheryl Hartup, Director  of the Museo de Arte de Ponce;  Rubí  Rodríguez – Bustillo, Deputy Director of Operations of the Museo de Arte de Ponce; Luis Guillermo Daza of RMA Architects PCS;  Edmund Meade and Albert Mena, from Silman.