The items will need to be moved because of demolition work planned at the fairgrounds.
The society searched for different locations around town, but the city had extra space at the Safety Services Center, formerly known as the Downs Army Reserve Center.
“It’s the big, bulky things you need a warehouse or a garage to store,” Sherrock said. “This facility is exactly that.”
The city is providing the space at no charge as part of a one-year contract. The historical society will have access to half of a two-bay garage at the facility.
Commissioners approved the contract at Tuesday’s meeting.
“We’re trying to help them out,” said city manager Jim Bodenmiller. “It’s a good location for them because they’re actually closer here than they were at the fairgrounds. It’s a very secure site. It should be a win for both of us.”
The items are “part of the collection,” Sherrock said, and will be used for future exhibits.
“Slowly, but surely, we’ll rotate them in,” Sherrock said. “We don’t change an exhibit every three months.”
The storage space will also help with travel to and from the museum, Sherrock said.
The site is currently being used by the facilities personnel, as well as training for the fire department. The city is also planning to use the Safety Services Center for a possible combined dispatch center in 2014.
“It’s a great space and will suit our needs for the next several years,” Sherrock said.
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