04/01/2026
I’m pleased to report that after many years of intensive study, outrageously expensive consultants, reams of detailed reports, schematics, concepts, focus grouping, means testing, fundraising, more fundraising, and community listening sessions, we’ve finally solved our parking deficit at the Athenæum.
Starting next month, we will begin demolition of the Platner Wing of the building, which was only being occupied by priceless books, small children just learning how to read, and staff. This previously underutilized space will be used to construct a new, state-of-the-art, multi-level parking facility. Naming opportunities are still available! You can still sponsor our fully automated attendants, electric car charging ports, or even those fun automatic gates that go up and down through the miracle of modern science. (And also, the excruciatingly slow elevator!) We anticipate being able to accommodate ten additional parking spaces—tripling (or, let’s be honest, quadrupling) our existing parking.
This will not only be a benefit to the Athenæum, but for all our wonderful cultural partners on College Hill, whose patrons can make use of the garage on Sunday mornings between the hours of 6-11am.
The new Matthew Burriesci Vehicular Port is scheduled to complete construction by 2043, and it should be revenue-positive by 2065. At that time, it will perpetually subsidize the Athenæum’s mission of enriching the mind, inspiring the spirit, and elevating the public discourse.
We are thrilled to share the news about this exciting new chapter with you all. Future generations will thank us. If you have any questions or concerns about this exciting project, please direct them to Robin Wetherill, Director of Engagement.
Matt Burriesci
Executive Director
