Children’s Museum Update – Kay Wagner, Phil Beaumont
History of Children’s Museum/Museum School
Building Highlights
Construction Deal
Current Status
Extension of Deadline
Worst Case Scenario
-Children's Museum began as a small storefront program in La Jolla. Later board went to CCDC to buy warehouse and whole block for $5 million. Paid in small increments. Later to make the plans more workable, the Museum requested to buy part of it for the Museum and sell the other part to be developed commercially. CCDC told Museum that they had to raise $ in two years or sell it back for $10.00. (Original deal to buy the block began in late 99. 5 million $ went to Engle family. Engle wanted to give it to us. The property is zoned for Children's Museum. CCDC finished the deal in 2003, with the contingent that if the $ wasn’t raised by 5/12/05 then CCDC can buy property back for $10.00. So we had 2 years to raise the cash to build. Pam Hamilton when asked if the property could be rezoned commented "the king will do what the king will do."
-Museum is applying for an extension. $5 million allows us to apply for bonds and create an endowment. $7.5 million would do it without the bonds. City museums (who pay $1.00 month rent) have also not been able to raise funds last few years as well. If this building happens, it will be the only green building downtown.
-We've had two articles -Downtown News, San Diego Business Journal.
There are billboards, commercial campaign. But it has been hard to get the word out. Have only started to talk about this in the last 6 months. We've talk to some council members. Letters are helping.
Working on UT and Metropolitan News.
-Worst case. We are still an active board. Museum will go on if the extension is not granted, but we will have to start over and find another place.
-Need more help to get the word out. It's been a tough time. During the capital campaign we've had 9/11, war, fires, tsunami. We need help getting appointments with some of the corporations, sharing the information, getting the word out.
-(Next board meeting on 17th.) Museum is forming a steering community. If there are parents who would like to join please contact Melinda or Kay.
What parents can do to help
Write Hal Sadler on CCDC.
Hal Sadler President of CCDC Board of Directors
Tucker, Sadler & Associates
225 Broadway, suite 1700
San Diego, CA 92101
Pam Slater First Five tobacco grants monies
Write letters of support to council members, Susan Davis, Union Tribune
Speak in support of the Children’s Museum and Museum School at the following meetings:
CCDC (Center City Development Corporation) Board meeting
Wednesday, March 9th, 12:00 p.m., 225 Broadway, Ste. 1100.
City Council Meeting – Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, March 15th, 10 am, 202 C Street, 12th Floor, Council Chambers
CCAC (Center City Advisory Committee)
Wednesday, March 16th, 5:15pm, 225 Broadway, Ste. 1100
Create Fundraising Events
Participate in the "One in a Million – Build the Children’s Museum Campaign" – see attached letter
Ellen Degeneres show. Be a Roving Reporter segment to launch "Million" Campaign.
Museum Tiles $175.00
Museum School Foundation – Ana Ubensmith, Phil Beaumont - Committed group of parents to insure the financial well being of the Museum School for the future. Looking for 10 good people to serve on the committee. Committee will liaison with the Museum in terms of some of these fundraising efforts. Looking long term for the next set of children.
Recruiting new students for next year - Flyers are available for friends
SCY High Yeshiva School -Plans for sharing this site with a very small Yeshiva high school. Will start next September with about a dozen 9th-12th grade boys.
-We have a lease until the end of this year, December 2005, with option to extend if we need it. Looking at 2006? If all plans go well?
Center for World Music - Bali Trip – Dr. Bob Brown -Danlee came to present.
