Nevada Discovery Museum: "The Little Project that Could"
Yes! This is fantastically fantastic news. While most redevelopment projects downtown have ended up being delusions of grandeur, here's a little project that has endured and apparently passed the test of this bone-jarring recession.
After more than five years of dedicated hard work from numerous volunteers and staff, the goal of building a world-class children's museum in downtown Reno is within sight. Thanks to the increased support of long-time donors, in addition to exciting new commitments, they are planning to start construction in July 2010 with a projected opening of mid 2011. Nice!
Norma and Ranson Webster recently committed $1 million toward completion of the project. Inspired by the Terry Lee Wells Foundation's $4 million challenge grant, the Websters have allowed Nevada Discovery Museum to reach $16.6 million, only $3.7 million shy of their $20.3 million campaign goal. Other major donors include:
- NV Energy — $375,000, total gift of $700,000, in addition to amazing in-kind contributions since 2006
- The E.L. Cord Foundation — $250,000, total gift of $725,000 since 2005
- The Leonette Foundation — $100,000
- Anonymous Family — $100,000
As the fundraising continues, there are a few other exciting occurrences to update you on:
- Those of you who've driven by the museum building (the former Reno City Hall) recently have probably noticed that Q&D Construction is hard at work. The transformers are being upgraded, as are some of the plumbing structures.
- Nevada Discovery Museum was able to fully pay off their building loan of $950,000 at the end of January.
- They've started a national search for their Executive Director. Estimated start date is early this summer.
In the meantime check out these Youtube videos below of why children's museums are so important.
Comments:
Post your commentsPosted by: Crystal - 3/20/2010 12:07:59 PM
Those videos were sooooo cute. I can't wait to take my kids here, and am glad it is opening before they grow up into adults!
Posted by: James - 3/20/2010 12:51:16 PM
Nice, this is one of the projects I was really hoping would make it.
Posted by: Renoisawesome - 3/21/2010 10:40:28 AM
I must say I can't believe it. This is great news coming during a time when I thought these kinds of projects were dead. Very nice!
Posted by: Big Daddy - 3/22/2010 8:13:41 AM
Thanks for the update Mike! This is great news on a little project that will have a big impact on the built environment and for children in our area. We can't wait!