Discovery Playhouse earns tax credits for second-floor renovations

Discovery Playhouse could soon feature "double the fun" after receiving more than $242,000 in Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits to help renovate the building's second floor.

The tax credits were awarded to the Cape Girardeau children's museum by the Missouri Department of Economic Development in mid-January. The Neighborhood Assistance Program helps not-for-profit organizations and Missouri businesses raise private-sector funds by state tax credits to businesses that make contributions to community improvement projects. The program guidelines allow tax credits equal to 50 percent of the contribution value.

Local business leaders and state Rep. Kathy Swan gathered at Discovery Playhouse on Friday afternoon to tour the second floor and hear more about how the tax credits will help with expansion.

Executive director Pansy Glenn said one room of the floor, which is more than 7,500 square feet, already has lights, a sprinkler system and carpeting. It's also the room where the museum hosts its trivia night.

The adjoining room and a large back room require more work before the museum can set up exhibits. Glenn said the second floor would feature exhibits that appeal to children between 9 and 12 years old. The second floor also will include a party room.

"We have some great ideas [for exhibits]," she said. "Some are actually beginning to be put together."

One exhibit that will be on the second floor is a bike trail. Glenn said a "facade" will be set up to feature iconic locations along the LaCroix Trail, such as Cape Splash and Arena Park. As children pedal faster on the bikes, each destination lights up until they finally reach and light up the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

Before exhibits are built, mechanical, electrical and plumbing work must be completed, as well as HVAC installation and elevator repairs. The museum expects the project to be complete in late 2015.

Tim Thomas, interim president for the museum's board of directors, said before Discovery Playhouse learned it would be given the tax credits, it hosted a dinner in December and announced the start of its debt retirement campaign. He said $110,000 was promised, and more than half of that amount was collected; the rest will be collected over the next couple of months.

"In December, we had no idea we would be receiving these credits," said Thomas. "We truly appreciate all the donations we've received from local businesses."

Thomas also said the museum owed thanks to Swan for her letter of support when it applied for the tax credits, something the representative said she was more than happy to do.

"They're going to expand to feature more for older age groups and give additional children opportunities to explore things they wouldn't be able to without the [tax credits]," Swan said.

Eligible donors interested in learning more about the Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits may contact Discovery Playhouse at 335-7529 or go to discoveryplayhouse.org

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

502 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.