Discovery Place Kids asks Huntersville for additional space on third floor to expand STEM and program offerings

Representatives from Discovery Place Kids Huntersville asked the Town Board on Feb. 18 for permission to use vacant third-floor space in the town-owned downtown building once the town no longer needs it.

Dr. Nikki Hill, chief learning officer for Discovery Place Kids Huntersville, outlined a planned $3 million investment to renovate and renew museum exhibits, including a new “town center” and expanded STEM space for older elementary and middle school students. “We are not seeking funding,” Hill said. “We are only asking for space.”

Hill said Discovery Place Kids would move its administrative offices from the second floor to the third floor, freeing second-floor offices for expanded exhibits such as a dedicated STEM and makerspace area, a Story Lab for younger children and reconfigured classroom space. She told commissioners the museum served more than 2 million visitors since opening in 2010 and that in 2024 nearly half of visitors came from outside a 20-mile radius.

Commissioners and staff asked for operational clarity. Commissioner Rivers and others pressed whether Discovery Place wants the town to allocate space without sharing in building operating costs; town officials said the building’s debt service is $564,000 per year plus approximately $112,000 in utilities (figures provided during the meeting). Hill and Discovery Place CEO Catherine Horn said the museum had working capital from reserves and a capital campaign to fund exhibit buildout and that they were seeking only the physical space, not town capital funds.

Board members also raised logistics: timing and timeline (Discovery Place said they tentatively planned exhibit work in fall 2026), details about the amount of additional space needed (Discovery Place said exact office-square-foot needs were under study), and whether any town departments would use the third floor for police or fire expansion in the future. Commissioners asked staff to evaluate space needs and engage in a conversation with Discovery Place about access, parking, lease terms and any operating-cost partnership.

Several public commenters also supported Discovery Place’s expansion request, including Leslie Wilson of Ada Jenkins Center, who described the museum’s value to school field trips and enrichment programs, and employees and longtime members who said the museum draws families and regional visitors to downtown Huntersville.

Ending: The board took no formal vote on the request. Staff will review facility space plans and provide a summary of potential lease or use terms, fiscal impacts and any necessary accommodations for parking and access before the board considers a decision.