Medford Approves $1.5M for Children’s Museum Downtown Expansion

MEDFORD, Ore. (Apr. 14, 2026) — City leaders on Tuesday marked a $1.5 million investment from the Medford Urban Renewal Agency to support the expansion of The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon, with plans to transform the former Mail Tribune building into a major hub for early learning and childcare.

Officials gathered outside the longtime newspaper building at 111 N. Fir St. for a signing ceremony formalizing the grant agreement. The funding will help renovate the downtown property, replacing an earlier proposal to construct an addition at the museum’s current home in the former Carnegie Library.

Medford Urban Renewal Agency Board Chair and City Councilor Kevin Stine joined museum board members in signing the agreement, emphasizing the project’s role in expanding access to hands-on education.

“As someone who has spent a lot of time in public education, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful hands-on learning can be,” Stine said. “The moments when a child discovers something new, solves a problem, or simply asks ‘why’—those moments matter. And those are the kinds of experiences we’ll be creating here.”

The expansion will use a two-building approach, increasing the museum’s footprint from 13,000 square feet to 31,000 square feet. Plans for the renovated site include nine additional preschool classrooms, large training facilities, therapy and sensory rooms, a production studio, rooftop and community gathering space, expanded outdoor play areas and dedicated parking.

City officials say the project is expected to add 180 new childcare spots and create a workforce training facility capable of serving more than 250 participants. The expansion could also support between 100 and 140 year-round employees.

Economic projections estimate the project will generate between $11.6 million and $14.3 million in recurring annual impact for the community.

“It gives kids a place to explore, to imagine, and to learn ways that stick with them for a lifetime,” Stine said.