Latest news with #DiscoveryPlaceKids
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Matthews approves agreement with CMS board to construct Discovery Place on elementary campus
MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The agreement became official Monday night that will place a Discovery Place Kids museum on an elementary school campus. Matthews' Board of Commissioners approved a joint-use agreement and memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education for the property where Matthews Elementary School currently stands on South Trade Street. Through the 2023 $2.5 billion bond, the school will be rebuilt behind the current building with the museum under the same roof. PREVIOUS: Vote put on hold for agreement to put Discovery Place museum on Matthews Elementary campus The land where the school sits will be turned into a park, and under a land-swap, the school board will acquire parkland along McKee Road. The unanimous vote came on Town Manager Becky Hawke's final meeting before she departs for the same position in Wilmington. Commissioner Ken McCool suggested one of the roads in the project's vicinity should honor her. 'This is an incredibly exciting chapter in Matthews,' he said. 'I'm going to lobby as a citizen. I believe as this is built, that one of the streets leading up to it should be named for Mrs. Hawke. This would've never come to fruition without her leadership. She needs to be honored for that.' After being questioned by Commissioner Mark Tofano, Town Attorney Daniel Peterson noted that the MOU was in fact different from a legally binding contract. 'To that sense it does not bind the town on every decision point ahead, it just means we cannot actively frustrate the purpose of the memorandum of understanding.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Vote put on hold for agreement to put Discovery Place museum on Matthews Elementary campus
MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — Most Matthews leaders were excited to make an agreement official that would put a Discovery Place Kids museum on a school campus, but that decision was deferred until next month. The town is preparing to enter a partnership with Charlotte-based Discovery Place and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Matthews Elementary School is slated to be rebuilt through the 2023 school bond, and the museum – which previously cemented plans to come to town – would go up along with it. But town Commissioner Mark Tofano made a last-minute request Tuesday to defer the vote. He says he has tweaks to request before the agreement is finalized. He also is the board member most personally affected by the project; his home on Trade Street is adjacent to it. The vote is now scheduled for the commissioner meeting on June 9. This will be the last meeting for Town Manager Becky Hawke, who is resigning three days later. Mayor John Higdon emphasized the vote must take place then, so Hawke can see the deal she's been so integral to come to fruition. Hawke said the two-week deferment would impact the project's long-term timeline. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Discovery Place Kids Museum could open inside future Matthews elementary school
Channel 9 has learned where the new Discovery Place Kids Museum could possibly go in Matthews. ALSO READ: 'Ultimate Dinosaurs' coming to Discovery Place Science If town commissioners approve a proposal later this month, plans would begin for building the museum inside the new Matthews Elementary School. The old school building will then be transformed into a new park, according to the Charlotte Observer. If things go through, construction will begin on the school and museum next year. It is expected to be completed by 2029. VIDEO: Town of Matthews one step closer to getting Discovery Place Kids museum
Yahoo
26-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Matthews enters partnership to bring Discovery Place museum to town
MATTHEWS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — The Town of Matthews approved a partnership with Discovery Place Monday night to officially launch plans to bring a new children's museum to town. Under the newly established development and management agreement, the town will provide building space and the Charlotte-based museum will oversee the upfitting and operation of the Discovery Place Kids. Town Manager Becky Hawke said this will be an investment of between $3.6 million and $4.8 million for Matthews. Maintenance costs would depend on the building's square footage and number of spaces in the parking lot, she said. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Matthews Playhouse 'This is a tremendous opportunity for Matthews, and we couldn't be more excited about this partnership,' said Mayor John Higdon in a statement. 'Discovery Place Kids is renowned for its engaging experiences that are both fun and educational for children and their families. While the museum opening is still a few years away, we are excited to welcome them to Matthews and look forward to the many ways they will enrich our community.' The building space will be funded through the town's Tourism Fund and is expected to be available within the next five years. The exact location has not yet been determined. The town expects to finalize the details in the coming months and will hold public meetings for the location. 'We are thrilled to partner with the Town of Matthews to bring Discovery Place Kids to this vibrant community,' said Catherine Horne, Discovery Place president and CEO. 'This museum will be a hub of imagination, creativity and hands-on learning, designed to inspire young minds and bring families together.' Commissioner Ken McCool described his excitement for the initiative since he often visited Discovery Place in uptown Charlotte as a kid. He made the motion to approve the partnership, which passed unanimously. 'That's the best motion I've ever made,' he said. Discovery Place Kids offers interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and foster a love of learning in young children. Others are already located in Huntersville and Rockingham, and the Matthews museum would bring the number of Discovery Place locations to five. The addition of a Matthews location will provide local families with greater access to these high-quality educational opportunities. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
