The City of Medford announced on Apr. 16 that the Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) has committed $1.5 million to support the expansion of The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon (TCMSO). The investment was recognized at a signing ceremony held outside the former Mail Tribune building.
The funding will be used to renovate the old newspaper building at 111 N. Fir St., replacing an earlier plan to add onto the museum’s current site in the former Carnegie Library. This new approach involves expanding TCMSO into two buildings, increasing its space from 13,000 to 31,000 square feet.
Plans for the expanded facility include nine new preschool classrooms, large training facilities, therapy and sensory rooms, a production studio, rooftop and community spaces, more outdoor play areas, and dedicated parking. The project is expected to create 180 additional childcare spots and establish a workforce training center that could serve over 250 participants. It is also projected to employ between 100 and 140 people year-round and generate an estimated $11.6 million to $14.3 million in recurring annual economic impact.
MURA Board Chair and City Councilor Kevin Stine joined members of TCMSO’s board in signing the grant agreement during Tuesday’s event, emphasizing how this investment will benefit early learning opportunities for local families.
According to information provided by TCMSO’s website, $6.3 million has been raised toward an overall goal of $8 million for this project. SOREDI expressed support for TCMSO’s vision to expand capacity and provide increased childcare resources for working families seeking stability.
