Medford Children’s Museum Set for Massive Upgrade After City Council Greenlights 19,000-Square-Foot Expansion

MEDFORD, Ore. — At the November 19 meeting, the Medford City Council approved revised plans for a 19,050-square-foot addition to the Children’s Museum of Southern Oregon. The Medford Urban Renewal Agency (MURA) board then resolved to authorize a $1.5 million grant agreement to support its construction.

Replacing an earlier expansion approved in December 2024, the updated project at the museum at 413 W. Main St. includes a new rooftop event space, which accounts for most of the increase in square footage. Excluding the rooftop area, the building increases from 12,000 to 12,800 square feet.

The existing building, which is subject to a 25-year lease with Kid Time (now the Children’s Museum), includes a preschool, the original historic Carnegie Library, and a 1950 rear addition.

The plans include three new preschool classrooms to accommodate an extra 60 students, a professional development and community training space, consolidated clay and culinary studios, therapy and support rooms, and a kitchen, restroom, and storage facilities.

The new extension would be built behind the 1950 rear structure. It must still be reviewed and approved by the Landmarks and Historic Preservation Commission.