The Medford City Council and a few City staff members recently received a tour of the Genesis Project and The Children’s Musuem of Southern Oregon.
The Genesis Project (located on the corner of West 8th Street and Holly Street) will consist of 62 apartment-style homes, with a modern design and additional amenities that will include flexible work and meeting areas as well as electric vehicle charging stations for tenants. The units range from 375 square feet studios to 865 square feet two bedrooms.
City councilors and staff were able to walk through each floor of the building and learn more about the project’s features.
“These units will provide a very modern and urban feel for those that will be living there in the coming months,” said City Manager, Brian Sjothun. “My hope is that The Genesis will become a catalyst for developing more housing in downtown, which would bring vibrancy to the area.”
“The Medford City Council has long had a goal of increasing housing in the downtown, which made the Genesis Project a compelling concept to explore,” said Ward 3 Councilor, Kevin Stine. “A great credit goes to the developer of the project, Laz Ayala, and MURA Director Harry Weiss for piecing this together. Adding the 62 units at this location is exciting, and I hope it helps open the path for more growth in the downtown area.”
The Genesis will start leasing apartments at the end of August 2023. CPM Real Estate Services will be managing the property.
The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon (formerly known as Kid Time Children’s Musuem) is a non-profit that offers hands-on classes, exhibits, events and other early learning opportunities to young children. The museum’s mission is to encourage all children to learn and grow through play.
City councilors and staff learned about the museum’s variety of programs as well as explored the indoor and outdoor exhibits.
“We are truly lucky in Medford to have these amazing things in our downtown area,” said Mayor Randy Sparacino. “We will see a great impact on the development of kids in our community.”
“I can’t believe the amazing transformation of the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon,” said Ward 1 Councilor, Jessica Ayres. “It’s been quite some time since my kids were in preschool or visited the museum and I am so impressed with the facility and programs that they are providing.”
Source: City of Medford
