CORVETTE MUSEUM SINKHOLE LATEST

The board of the NCM met on June 25 to discuss the three main options: repair and return the Skydome to its pre-sinkhole state; leave it as is; or cover over part of the sinkhole and leave part of it open. The board selected the latter, pending further investigation.

The NCM believe leaving part of the sinkhole open will allow it to remain as a visitor drawcard, while increasing the Skydome's display space, but a final consideration around any effect the temperature and humidity from the sinkhole will have on cars displayed still needs to be investigated further. This decision also allows for the possibility of the rest of the sinkhole being covered over later, once its curiosity factor has passed.

For the March-June 2014 period, NCM visitor numbers were up 59 percent - largely because of the sinkhole - compared to the same time last year. A viewing window for the sinkhole is currently in the Skydome, with plans to add a proper viewing platform later.

The 'Great 8' Corvettes that were damaged by the sinkhole collapse are currently on display in a different section of the NCM, but how many - if any - will be restored is still unconfirmed. General Motors stated soon after the collapse that they will oversee any restorations, but will not fund them. How much of the damage is covered by the NCM's insurance is still to be confirmed. As previously reported, some cars are significantly damaged, and may not be feasible to restore at all.