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Council authorizes development agreement with Discovery Place to bring children’s museum to Matthews
Summary
Council approved a development and management agreement with Discovery Place Inc. under which the town will construct an 18,000–24,000 sq. ft. shell museum building (town‑owned) and Discovery Place will fund, outfit and operate a Discovery Place Kids museum in Matthews.
Matthews Town Council unanimously authorized a development and management agreement with Discovery Place Inc. on Feb. 24 that, if fully implemented, will bring a Discovery Place Kids museum to Matthews.
Under the agreement staff presented, the town would construct and own a shell building roughly 18,000–24,000 square feet in size. Discovery Place Inc. would fundraise for exhibits, complete tenant improvements, and operate the museum after opening. Staff said Discovery Place operates successful children’s museums in Huntsville and Rockingham and expects a Matthews location to focus on STEM‑oriented, hands‑on exhibits for families and school groups.
Town staff estimated construction of the shell building would cost roughly $3.6–$4.8 million in present‑day dollars, with an inflation‑adjusted estimate closer to $4.4–$5.8 million by the time of expected opening (staff projected a multi‑year timeline and estimated an opening in about five years). Staff told the council the town can finance construction using the tourism fund and that modeled debt service fits within projected tourism revenue streams without drawing on the general fund.
Discovery Place will be responsible for museum operations (staff, programming, admissions) and agreed to discuss an annual contribution to a facility maintenance fund; the agreement also notes the town will remain responsible for building maintenance while Discovery Place will bear operating costs. Council members asked for clarity on utilities and maintenance mechanics; staff said these specifics will be negotiated and finalized before construction and opening.
Why it matters: A Discovery Place Kids museum would be a major cultural and educational addition to Matthews, creating a family‑oriented destination and likely increasing regional visitation and tourism‑related revenue.
What’s next: Staff will continue site selection work and finalize the location and related agreements; the council’s vote authorizes the town manager to enter the development and management agreement as presented and directs staff to negotiate final site and construction documents.
