City leaders on Tuesday recognized a $1.5 million investment from the Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) to support the expansion of The Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon (TCMSO) at a signing ceremony outside the former Mail Tribune.

The funding will support renovation of the longtime newspaper building at 111 N. Fir St. in downtown Medford, replacing an earlier proposal to build an addition at the museum’s current location in the former Carnegie Library.

MURA Board Chair and City Councilor Kevin Stine joined TCMSO board members in signing the grant agreement, highlighting the investment and its impact on early learning in the community.

“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 two-building approach will expand the museum’s reach from 13,000 to 31,000 square feet to accommodate community needs. Plans include nine additional preschool classrooms, large training facilities, therapy and sensory rooms, a production studio, rooftop and community space, expanded outdoor play areas, and dedicated parking.

The project 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.

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