City Investment Supports Early Education Expansion Downtown
Published on August 19, 2026
A new chapter is coming to the former Mail Tribune newspaper building in downtown Medford, where the site will be remodeled into an early education center.
The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, which currently operates at the Carnegie Library, will expand into 111 N. Fir Street as part of a two-building campus. The project will increase the museum’s footprint from 13,000 to 31,000 square feet and provide additional spaces for children and families. Plans include both interior and exterior improvements.
The project is supported in part by a $1.5 million investment from the Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA), which City leaders recognized in April.
Located within the Downtown Historic District, the site is subject to historic review for exterior alternations and new construction. The Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission unanimously approved the proposed exterior improvements following a public hearing Aug. 4.
Three outdoor classrooms and play areas will be added over the existing parking lot north of the site along W. Fifth Street. The asphalt will be removed and replaced with play areas enclosed by black metal privacy fencing. Each area will include a shade sail, pergola, bark surfacing, and play structures.
Other building modifications include replacing an existing door, adding a ramp to improve accessibility, installing two new windows, enhancing landscaping, adding bicycle parking, and installing roof-mounted ventilation equipment required for a kitchen.
Indoor plans call for nine additional preschool classrooms, training facilities, therapy and sensory rooms, a production studio, and rooftop and community space.
The expansion is expected to add 180 new childcare spots, a workforce training facility capable of serving more than 250 participants, and 100 to 140 year-round employees. It is also projected to generate an estimated $11.6 million to $14.3 million in recurring annual impact.
To learn more, click here.