Medford Backs Children’s Museum Expansion With $1.5M Urban Renewal Grant

MEDFORD, Ore. (Nov 22, 2025) — The Medford City Council has approved updated plans for a major expansion of the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, signing off on a 19,050-square-foot addition that significantly broadens the scope of an earlier proposal approved in December 2024.

The revised plan, approved Nov. 19, is aimed at expanding early learning opportunities and family-centered programs serving children and families across Medford and the Rogue Valley. Moments after the council’s vote, the Medford Urban Renewal Agency board authorized a $1.5 million grant agreement to help pay for construction.

The museum, located at 413 W. Main St., currently operates a preschool inside the historic Carnegie Library building and a 1950 rear addition. The new construction would extend behind the existing structures.

The City of Medford first entered into a 25-year lease with Kid Time—now operating as the Children’s Museum—in 2018. Council originally approved a two-story, 12,000-square-foot addition in 2024, and updated designs were presented during a joint study session with MURA in September 2025.

While the revised expansion keeps the project’s core intent, it introduces several design changes—most notably a rooftop event space that makes up the bulk of the added square footage. Without the rooftop area, the addition increases modestly to 12,800 square feet with a footprint similar to the earlier proposal.

The expansion is designed to add three preschool classrooms, increasing capacity by about 60 students. Plans also call for new professional development and community training space, consolidated clay and culinary studios, therapy and support rooms, and additional kitchen, restroom, and storage areas.

The council’s approval grants landlord consent under the city’s lease agreement but does not finalize the project. The addition must still undergo review by the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission before construction can move forward.