Children’s Museum Receives $1.5 Million MURA Grant for Expansion
Published on November 20, 2025
On Nov. 19, the Medford City Council approved revised plans for a 19,050-square-foot addition to the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, replacing an earlier expansion approved in December 2024. The updated project not only increases the museum's capacity but also expands access to early learning and family-centered programs that serve children and families throughout Medford and the Rogue Valley.
Following the City Council meeting, the Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) board approved a resolution authorizing a $1.5 million grant agreement to support construction of the addition.
The museum, located at 413 W. Main St., operates a preschool in the building, which includes the original historic Carnegie Library and a 1950 rear addition. The new addition would be built behind the 1950 structure.
In 2018, the City entered into a 25-year lease with Kid Time—now the Children’s Museum. Council previously approved a two-story, 12,000-square-foot addition in 2024 and reviewed updated designs during a joint study session with MURA in September 2025.
The revised plan maintains the project’s overall intent but updates the design. The most significant change is the addition of a rooftop event space, which accounts for most of the increase in square footage. Excluding the rooftop area, the building size increases from 12,000 to 12,800 square feet, with a similar footprint to the original proposal.
Expansion plans include three new preschool classrooms—adding capacity for an additional 60 students—along with professional development and community training space, consolidated clay and culinary studios, therapy and support rooms, and a kitchen, restroom, and storage facilities.
Council’s approval grants landlord consent but is not the only approval process for this addition. The project must still be reviewed and approved by the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.
3D rendering by Arkitek: Design & Architecture