Concept Design Completed 2021
55,000 square feet

In 2021, Oudens Ello Architecture was engaged by the Mystic Seaport Museum to propose a series of renovations to the Rossie Mill – a repurposed 19th-century velvet mill currently housing Mystic Seaport's research and collection storage operations, including a watercraft collection of over 450 small crafts from various time periods. The renovation sought to open a section of the building to the public, allowing the museum to display their extensive collection of watercraft and larger objects. The result was a two phase design which focused on opening up the existing building to visitors in the first phase with the option for a larger expansion and the introduction of a multistory auditorium space in the future.

Phase One converts the existing storage space to an open gallery designed to display the museums boat collection. This involved not only basic code improvements, but consideration of the visitor experience throughout. To introduce more natural light, the team opened an outdoor courtyard in the center of the mill. The new space allows for larger boat displays while simultaneously giving guests an “open storage” view into non-public boat storage spaces within the building.

Phase Two creates a double-height atrium to house the museum’s taller pieces and a new occupiable “seat-stair” connecting to the Phase One gallery. This update would be accompanied by improvements to the exterior to create a frontal entry path that corresponds to a moved visitor entrance.