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Kidzeum Receives State Grant, Construction Starts Soon

WUIS/Lee Strubinger

A long awaited children’s museum in Springfield is a step closer to becoming reality.   Construction on a building for the Kidzeum of Health and Science will begin this year.
 

A $1 million dollar grant from the state, along with an additional $675,000 in TIF funds from the city of Springfield, are enough to get the work underway.  The facility will occupy the old Schnepp and Barnes building,  a nearly 70 year old structure on East Adams in the downtown area.   

Despite the latest money coming in,  the fundraising will continue.
 
Kidzeum Board Chair Rachel Thomson says they're still a million dollar short for operational costs...

"It's going to take more than a miracle, it's going to need this community.  This project is going to benefit the Midwest and the state of Illinois, but the reality is that it's in Springfield's back yard.  And it's a community project and this community needs to support it," Thomson says.
 

Credit WUIS/Lee Strubinger

The goal of the museum is to teach children about health, wellness and the human body.   Thomson says the Kidzeum could open next year.

"So, we're in a good position if things and momentum keep moving the way that they are that we will start construction later this year and open in summer of 2015," Thomson says.

Lee Strubinger completed the University of Illinois Springfield's Public Affairs Reporting graduate program and is currently in Colorado.
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