Creative Discovery Museum Executive Director Henry Schulson said Tuesday that the children's museum has raised enough funds to get going on its planned $10 million renovation. It has brought in $5.8 million thus far.
However, he said it will be necessary to get the full $10 million in order to carry out all phases.
Members of the City Council on Tuesday indicated they are ready to go along with a requested $500,000 gift - split into five $100,000 payments. The county is also expected to make the same contribution with that money perhaps coming from the hotel/motel tax collections.
Councilman Jerry Mitchell said of the request, "I expect to hear something on this from the mayor's office soon."
Mr. Schulson said it is hoped to have the full amount pledged by this spring when the museum celebrates its 25th anniversary.
He said work should get going then on the new River Play section of the facility at Fourth and Market.
Mr. Schulson said administrative offices will be moved across the street to the 401 Building to make room for more exhibit space. He said some staffers have already moved.
He said during 2021 much of the second floor would be closed for construction.
Later, portions of the ground floor would be roped off while work is underway.
The last section would be revitalization of the plaza to make it "the most instagrammable site in Chattanooga." There is to be a national competition for a $500,000 piece of public art that will be a centerpiece.
The contractor will be Stief Counts of Chattanooga, and the exhibit designer is Tom Kraemer, who has done work at the famed children's museum in Indianapolis. Mr. Schulson said it is hoped to involve local firms in the project, including Play Core and artists such as Terry Cannon.
Councilman Chip Henderson said getting as many children as possible involved at the museum is one step in helping deter them from getting into a life of crime.
He asked if the museum could work with the city's rec centers on a program in which low-income students would be transported to the museum and be able to enter at a reduced rate or for free. Mr. Schulson said the museum would work with the city.