October 14, 2015

Orange, CA – R.D. Olson Construction is announcing the renovation of a 10,000 square-foot industrial building, transforming it into the Hilbert Museum of California Art in the historic city of Orange, California. The Irvine, California-based general contractor was selected by Chapman University to construct the new museum which will be located on N. Atchison Street in the heart of Old Towne Orange, adjacent to the University’s campus.

The Hilbert Museum will draw from more than 500 California scene paintings from the collection of Mark and Janet Hilbert. The artwork has been featured in several museums throughout California including the Santa Monica California Heritage Museum and the Irvine Museum. The updated space will also incorporate other artistic disciplines, with dance studios, classrooms and offices. The museum complements the cultural development occurring in Old Towne Orange, including the construction of Chapman University’s new Musco Center for the Arts.

“Chapman University looks forward to housing this incredible collection of art and showcasing the work of California artists,” said Kris Eric Olsen, vice president of campus planning and operations for Chapman University. “In selecting a partner in the construction and renovation of the Hilbert Museum of Art, we looked for a general contractor that could not only successfully complete the project, but also provide guidance throughout the process. R.D. Olson Construction has fulfilled both of those roles, and we’re enthusiastic about the partnership that we’ve developed.”

Located in close proximity to industrial, retail, residential and other Chapman University properties, the museum’s exterior will incorporate architectural influences from nearby buildings such as Chapman University’s recent historical adaptive reuse of the California Wire Company Building utilizing brick, exposed beams and corrugated metal. The interior will also have an industrial influence with the use of steel and exposed open ceilings. The existing utility yard will be repurposed to accommodate parking and an outdoor entry area.

“Due to its historic location, the Hilbert Museum of Art is subject to the City of Orange’s historic preservation standards. Our experience in working to align client and city priorities throughout the construction process, especially in relation to historic preservation codes, has enabled us to hit the ground running on this project,” said Bill Wilhelm, president of R.D. Olson Construction. “As a local business, we are excited to partner with Chapman University to bring additional cultural opportunities to the community.”

The Hilbert Museum of California Art is scheduled to open in spring of 2016.