funding lined up for expanded el paso children's museum

Some $20 million in certificates of obligation have been approved in El Paso to fund the coming construction of the ambitious new Children’s Museum.

That debt funding, approved by members of the El Paso City Council, represents what is expected to be the final expansion of what is now a nearly $60 million project set to be built in downtown El Paso.

The museum was originally envisioned as a more modest affair, with initial funding to the tune of $19.5 million coming from the Quality of Life bonds approved by El Paso voters in 2012.

The facility itself, now expected to measure around 80,000 square feet, was first seen as a 35,000 square foot structure.

What happened between the first discussions centered on the new museum and today was a series of public input meetings and online surveys indicating that would-be visitors to the facility wanted more than just a place for children to walk through.

A master plan revealed late last year called instead for wind tunnels, a variety of learning centers, a 40-foot climbing wall, and dozens of interactive exhibits and displays.

Public responses also indicated a desire for themed exhibits relating to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
The $20 million in certificates of obligation will be joined with another $20 million pledged by the non-profit EPC Museum.

The project is slated to go up at the now-vacant former site of a Greyhound Bus Lines facility at 201 W. Main Drive.

By Garry Boulard