Santa Ana : Bowers Panel Suggests Forming ‘Super Board’

A committee studying proposals for expansion of the Bowers Museum and other cultural offerings in the city issued a preliminary report Monday that included recommendations for a museum district and a “super board” to oversee museum operations.

The proposed Orange County Bowers Museum District would be situated in an area surrounding the existing museum. The “super board” would oversee all museum-related offerings in Santa Ana, which could incorporate such areas as “art, history, science, specialized (such as sports or automotive technology) and children’s.”

Up to 12 citizens would be appointed to the new board under the plan. Some possible recommendations for expansion of Bowers Museum at 2002 N. Main St. include an adjoining art gallery of about 10,000 square feet and an auditorium and library. The museum would also require a master plan, exterior renovations that could include fountains, sculptures and landscaping, and a revised entryway.

Start-up funds would probably have to come from the city, but committee member Robert Jensen said that an effort would be made to cultivate private sources as the major financial backers. To move toward that non-government financial backing, the board would conduct surveys of patrons and a membership drive.

Some other services that the Bowers and future museums would provide include restaurants, retail shops, rental of the facilities, publishing, a visitors’ center and museum-sponsored travel tours.