Several articles provide new details on the Hood expansion:

• Hannah Silverstein, “Hood Museum of Art Prepares to Expand,” Dartmouth Now (15 December 2015).

• Hannah Silverstein, “The Hood: ‘Fully Engaged’ Throughout Construction,” Dartmouth Now (15 December 2015).

• “Transforming the Hood Museum of Art,” Hood Quarterly (Winter 2016).

• “Expansion Details,” Hood Museum of Art.

Construction will begin during late July 2017 and end during 2018. The museum will open early 2019 (Planning Board minutes 01.05.2016 pdf).

Some points:

1. The addition will share the roof line of the Hop, as seen in the main image accompanying the details article. It is not clear yet how likeable the box will be, but the dialogue with the Hop could be appealing.

2. Where the Hop’s front comprises a glass wall delineated by a thin masonry frame, the museum will be a blank masonry wall pierced by a single smallish opening.

3. It is interesting that a major goal of the expansion is a presence on the Green; that was a goal of the first Hood. And until it was found to be in the way of growth, the Hood’s signature entry arch was called “iconic.” Now the recently-revealed south facade of the building has been designated its “iconic” facade.

4. The path of the former College Street will be emphasized and widened. That seems to require the completion of the south facade arch. The original can be seen in this Dartmouth Flickr photo. As noted earlier, this completion eradicates a small pomo witticism. A bit of awkwardness replaces the wit; the arch is just an arch now, and it lands too close to the existing vertical window. But, again, if there’s any firm whose stature could make this okay, it’s this firm.