09/29/2022
LeChase Team Breaks Ground October 19 at Historic Hall of Fame for Next Phase of Renovation
On Wednesday, October 19 at 11 am, LeChase Construction will break ground for the next phase of renovation at the National Women’s Hall of Fame (The Hall) in Seneca Falls. Fittingly, the project team is being led by a woman – Project Executive Kailly Mintel – with women also serving in key roles like project engineer, 3D imaging expert and safety manager.
“The National Women’s Hall of Fame takes seriously our role in preserving the legacies and contributions of our 302 Inductees, and we know that their stories inspire all who visit or interact with us,” said The Hall’s Executive Director Jennifer Gabriel. “So we are especially thrilled to be working with such an exceptional team of women from LeChase to advance the next stage of construction on our beloved home.”
Mintel saw potential at her very first visit. “It’s just a beautiful building with such a vibrant history,” she said. “We can’t wait to showcase its unique details and provide The Hall an expanded space to honor so many great American women.”
On the banks of the Erie Canal, The Hall is housed in the historic 1844 Seneca Knitting Mill, which produced woolen textiles until closing in 1999. The Hall purchased the building in 2007, and after more than 10 years of extensive renovations, opened to the public at its new home in August 2020.
The current phase of renovation will expand usable space, which is currently limited to the first floor of the four-story building. Work will allow The Hall to transform the second floor into the actual Hall of Fame, recognizing Inductees and allowing the first floor to house supporting exhibits. The scope of work will include preserving the original wood floor, rehabilitating the existing spiral staircase, adding a main staircase, and building a new elevator shaft with a glass connector. The historic and iconic smokestack adjacent to the building will also be preserved and restored.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023. Future phases will add more gallery space and a public event space on the third and fourth floors, plus a new bell tower to house the mill’s original bell.
Gabriel also noted that LeChase—and this construction team—understand and deeply support The Hall’s mission. “They have become a part of our history in ongoing efforts to show that every one of us has an opportunity to make a profound difference in the world, regardless of our gender or passion.”
ABOUT LECHASE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, LLC:
Established in 1944, LeChase prides itself on offering the capabilities of a large firm while maintaining the personalized service of a small firm. Today, the company ranks among the nation’s top contractors – providing general construction and construction management services in a wide range of industries and on projects of all sizes. With a dedicated team of talented professionals striving to deliver excellence, the firm has earned a reputation for quality, safety and integrity. In addition to serving customers from its operations across the East Coast, LeChase can provide resources to meet the unique needs of clients no matter where they are located.
ABOUT NATIONAL WOMEN’S HALL OF FAME:
Founded in 1969, The National Women’s Hall of Fame (The Hall) is the nation’s first and oldest non-profit organization and museum dedicated to honoring and celebrating the achievements of distinguished American women. In pursuit of its mission, “Showcasing great women… Inspiring all,” the National Women’s Hall of Fame honors the women of the past and present, relates the history of women’s struggles, prepares the women of the future, and serves as the voice celebrating the value of women.
