This month, the Columbus-Lowndes Convention and Visitors Bureau board selected an architecture and a design firm to transform the old Elks Building into a children’s discovery center and museum.
Now comes the “fund” part.
“We’re definitely moving forward,” said CVB Executive Director Nancy Carpenter. “There’s so much to do, of course, but we really feel that we have some momentum now that we’ve chosen the architect and design firm. For us, that means fundraising.”
The CVB chose Dale Partners of Jackson as architect while Roto, based in Dublin, Ohio, will be in charge of the design as the historic Elk building is transformed into what Carpenter envisions as an interactive museum and learning space geared toward children.
Dale Partners recently completed its work on the Mississippi Grammy Museum in Clarksdale and is working on the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.
“We are very excited to begin work on this historic renovation,” said Jeff Barnes of Dale Partners in a press release. “We love the challenge of giving a new life to old buildings, especially when that new life promotes our state’s history and culture.”
Roto was selected for its targeted design for appealing to children’s interest.
“That’s what really impressed us,” Carpenter said. “You or I might think something would really appeal to kids, but then, we’re not kids. Roto actually brings kids into their headquarters in Ohio. They listen to the kids, learn from them what they like, what they are interested in. We felt that was a great approach and just what we want in Columbus.”
Renovation needs
The CVB purchased the Elks Building from Frank and Dean Loftus in December 2015 for $450,000, with the Loftuses donating $200,000 of the total $650,000 purchase price.
“The first order of business is making repairs to the building,” Carpenter said. “It needs a new roof, and there are some other structural issues to be addressed. In the meantime, our focus is going to be on donations and fundraising. And I’m not waiting on that. I’ve had some experience writing grants, and I’m going to get started because there are some grants that have deadlines in September that we want to pursue.”
Carpenter said the project should cost $1 million to $1.5 million to complete. The goal is to have the discovery center/museum open sometime in 2018.
The focus of the center will be to share the unique traits and history of Columbus with visitors through interactive displays, workshops and children-led activities.
“We don’t want this to be something that kids just look at,” Carpenter said. “We want this to be a place where they can learn in a way that gets their creative juices flowing.”
The center will not only focus on the city’s history, but also key parts of the community such as Mississippi University for Women, Columbus Air Force Base and local industry.
Carpenter also envisions the center as a complement to the other downtown attractions, including the Riverwalk, soccer complex and the amphitheater that is currently under construction.
“This is not just a quality of life project,” Carpenter said. “It’s economic development, too. We’re talking about something that will bring in people on a regular basis. We want this to be a part of something that says there is something to do in Columbus all year long, 365 days a year, not just during football season or spring pilgrimage.”
Slim Smith is a columnist and feature writer for The Dispatch. His email address is [email protected].
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