HANDS ON CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

www.hocm.org

 
The Oly 2012 Steering Committee supported the acquisition of Port of Olympia property by the City of Olympia for the purpose of building a new Hands On Children’s Museum.  The museum has not only outgrown its space, but must move to make way for the Washington State Heritage Center that will be built on their current site. 

Background

The total cost of the project is estimated at between sixteen and eighteen million dollars.  Of the total, eight million will be public funds acquired through the public facility district, plus one million set aside by the City for this purpose.  The public funds will be used to purchase the land and construct the building.  The remaining balance of seven to nine million will be generated through private fundraising efforts, and used to complete the interior of the building and various indoor and outdoor exhibits.  

For information on the capital fund-raising campaign, and a site map of the proposal:

www.hocm.org/pdf/new%20museum.3.08.pdf

Current Situation

The Port has agreed to fund the infrastructure for the 14-acre East Bay site so that the entire area can be developed.  The museum parcel, located in the center of the site, is just under two acres. 

Port Commissioners voted on Monday April 14, 2008 to sell the HOCM parcel to the City for the appraised value of $2.7 million.  The City Council voted on Tuesday April 15, 2008 to purchase the parcel.

We urge Oly 2012 supporters to continue their individual support for the Hand’s On Children’s Museum.