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How This High-Density Mobile Shelving Project Boosted The PMAC’s Museum Storage

Jan 28, 2025

The Pritzker Military Archives Center’s specialized archivists now rely on advanced powered high-density mobile storage solutions to house and preserve the annals of US military history. Spacesaver (800.255.8170) worked to bring these solutions to life – read this case study to learn how!

Spacesaver Corporation’s Role in Military Artifact Preservation

The US Military is approaching 250 years of service - and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library works tirelessly to document this invaluable history. Its problem? Too many priceless artifacts, not enough room to showcase them in all their glory.

Its solution? Sophisticated storage systems provided by Spacesaver - making the Pritzker Military Archives Center a place to behold the chronicles of militaristic American might. Read this case study to learn how this group’s powered high-density mobile shelving units transformed archival storage like never before.

How this team expanded storage capabilities

Two centuries ago, President Polk expanded American borders all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Spacesaver's project was almost as ambitious! Its charge? To more effectively house the vast number of military artifacts held by the Pritzker Military Museum & Library. A daunting challenge for most - but not Spacesaver.

Here’s the scenario: the Pritzker Military Museum & Library was looking to relocate its still-growing collection to a larger facility. It wanted somewhere with sufficient size to store the organization’s existing historical artifacts while offering enough room to hold future resources. Hence, the Pritzker Military Archives Center came into being.

This brand-new location needed more space-efficient storage solutions - a goal that led to a partnership with Spacesaver and JAHN Architects.

“Spacesaver was appointed early in the process to develop a concept for the shelving system, based solely on the demands of the Museum,” said Tobias Dold, Associate Principal at JAHN Architects.

The Museum’s then-current static shelving solutions were quickly filling up with no way to stock a collection of letters, artworks, weapons, and books that were only increasing in number. Spacesaver was tasked with finding a superior alternative. Spacesaver succeeded - and exceeded expectations along the way.

They managed to outfit the newly-built Pritzker Military Archives Center with a futuristic shelving system that reflected the Museum’s plans for long-term growth. Throughout its case study, you’ll learn about the modern design features and space-saving elements utilized to store and protect invaluable military artifacts.

Storage Specifics

Among others, you can read about: 

  • Steel Cantilever shelving units 
  • Adaptable 4-Post shelving units
  • Carriage-mounted art racks
  • Advanced weapons lockers 


These, by and large, are the centerpieces of the new center’s storage setup. What’s more, they’ve been bolstered by sensor sweep technology and automated controls - and with ample room for growth, any future expansions will be both practical and straightforward!

“The most impactful way the Powered High-Density Mobile Shelving systems have helped Pritzker Military Archives Center staff work more efficiently within the space is by creating a more efficient footprint overall,” argues a Spacesaver spokesperson.“By utilizing these versatile systems, they can take what would have been approximately 20,000 square feet of storage space and double it by removing wasted aisles.”

See for yourself.

Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSNBDGlY5f4 to learn more about Spacesaver's recent project.

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