St. Joseph City Commissioners are working with the Curious Kids Museum to develop a building improvement plan after a fire at the museum July 5. Curious Kids Director Lori Marciniak told commissioners Monday damage to the building was worse than originally thought, prompting the museum to wonder if this is an opportunity for some major changes. She told WSJM News more.
“My board and I just kind of sat back and said maybe it’s time to redo and rearrange and reimagine what the Curious Kids Museum could be,” Marciniak said.
However, the city owns the building, part of which is known as Memorial Hall. Any big changes to the structure would need city support, which Marciniak was seeking.
“They want it to be a museum, we want it to be a museum, but it’s a big deal. Will they allow us to do what we would really love to do is the question.”
Commissioners said they’re open to improvements. A subcommittee was then formed for the city and the museum leadership to draft a plan. Marciniak says she’s meeting with contractors and consultants, and what she gathers will be brought back to the committee. She said improvements could include a redesign of the front of the building to allow for a better view of Lake Michigan.
