A series of focus groups have provided input on the design of the Nordic Heritage Museum at its future site on Market Street.

The 75,000 square foot museum will be constructed on the site of the Fenpro building at a cost of $50 million. The basic concept is a new climate-controlled state-of-the-art museum that can host major international exhibits, showcase local Scandinavian history and art, while becoming an international level institution emphasizing Nordic design, culture and heritage.

During a focus group for the fishing and boating industry, several ideas were proposed. They included: showcasing an actual fishing boat; linking the boat to the shipping and logging industry; highlighting the ship building skills of early immigrants who set up shop in Ballard; the evolution of the fishing industry; the genealogy of the people who worked and owned the boats; and a demonstration area where visitors can see workers making nets.

The fishing group also stressed the importance of keeping the "Dream of America," exhibit at the museum.

"We have been hearing from everyone that it should be kept whole," said Bianca Message, president of Andre and Associates, a museum exhibit planning and design firm from Victoria, B.C.

"We will recreate it in some fashion," said Message.

An area could be set aside for the Ballard Historical Society for its photography archives while it collaborates on rotating exhibits.

Shauna Bryce, a project manager for the architectural firm Mithun Partners, said there will be space for classrooms, a genealogy research area, caf/ store and rental space for businesses.

A multi-purpose performance space will have direct access from the street. A family area may be built outside with an area for school children that visit on tours.

The south end of the museum will be near the railroad tracks, Burke Gillman Trail and the ship canal. A public open space area could be added. The museum would have to negotiate with the city of Seattle on the design as it relates to the trail.

With the Ballard Locks nearby, a new interpretive trail could draw in visitors. The trail could offer explanations of maritime history.

"We're always trying to reach a broad audience," said Bryce.

The new museum needs to have an understanding of the neighborhood while having a more extensive focus than just Ballard.

A number of people said it was important for the designers and architects to visit some of the well-known museums in Scandinavia for ideas. Two key members of Mithun Partners who are working on the project have done that.

The focus groups did not want the feeling of the early Nordic Heritage Museum to be lost so people don't forgot its roots.

On the other hand, the architects and designers want to keep the younger generations interested.

"We can't be seen strictly as Ballard local. The focus has to be broader and also provide a community feel," said Gordon Strand, the museum's business manager.

Dean Wong may be contacted at 783.1244 or deanw@robinsonnews.com