Children's Museum of Tacoma :: Capital Campaign FAQs

Capital Campaign

Capital Campaign FAQs

What is a Children's Museum?

Truly American: Started in Brooklyn, New York in 1899.

Offers interactive learning environments and programs for children and their families.

Fastest growing cultural resource with 350 globally.

Who is the Children's Museum of Tacoma?

A non-profit organization founded by volunteers in 1985 via Metro Parks Planning Study.

The Museum will serve over 45,000 people this year in 3,500 square feet. Over 50% of visitors and program participants are admitted for free - the highest percentage of any Children's Museum in the Northwest.

Our core visitors (88%) come for 40 different regional zip codes.

What is the History of the Museum's Site Selection Process?

Nearly three-years ago, the Museum identified site and program criteria by conducted over 60 stakeholder interviews.

In 2008, the Museum looked at a site on the Thea Foss Waterway. Taking into consideration both the proposed plans for the site and the stakeholder viewpoints presented to the Museum, we withdrew from the site planning process to continue our search.

On March 25, 2010 the Museum signed a lease with United Way of Pierce County for approximately 8,700 square feet at 1501 Pacific Avenue in downtown Tacoma.

Expected opening date is late 2011.

United Way of Pierce County Partnership Details

Location: 1501 Pacific Avenue

The Museum will lease approximately 8,700 square feet - 60% more space

Ten-year lease with three, five-year extensions

Over 10 years the Museum will pay 50% less in rent than at its current location

Expected to open in late 2011

What was the Museum's Site Criteria?

Building Feasibility

Ownership or very favorable long term lease
Accommodate 25,000 sq ft custom construction
Direct access to green space for outdoor play

Accessibility

Adjacent or on-site parking, 35-50 stalls
Easy access from major roads, mass transit
Perceived as safe

Visibility and Impact

Prominently located in Tacoma's downtown
Near cultural or entertainment districts
Unique family destination

Site Search Committee

The Museum formed a site search committee in 2008, to assist in finding our new home. We thank each of them for their time, dedication and insights!

Chair
John Folsom, Brown & Brown

Joanne Bamford, Community Advocate
Jacquie Boyd, Children's Museum of Tacoma Founder
Brad Cheney, Ben B. Cheney Foundation
Bill Evans, Tacoma business owner and former Tacoma City Councilman
Mike Hickey, Neil Walter Co.
Mark Holcomb, Morton McGoldrick
Tom Kirkwood, Columbia Bank
Mary Pascoe, Community Advocate
Kent Peterson, Boeing
Stuart Young, BCRA Design

Capital Campaign FAQs Children's Museum of Tacoma

Capital Campaign FAQs