HVAC system paves way for other renovations at Discovery Playhouse

Cape Girardeau's Discovery Playhouse just received an upgrade that will help create more activity on the downtown building's second floor.

"We're so excited," said executive director Pansy Glenn.

A new and eagerly anticipated heating and air conditioning system was installed at the children's museum Thursday as part of a long-term plan to make other repairs to the building at 502 Broadway.

Some of the needed renovations include fixing the weatherproof flashing around the roof, repainting the upstairs, building a multipurpose room and bathrooms on the second floor, creating a stairway and installing an elevator.

With the new HVAC unit in place, "we finally have the ability to make it comfortable," Glenn said.

Once all the other renovations are complete on the 7,500-square-foot second floor -- a process expected to take until December 2015 -- a world of possibilities are likely to bloom for the not-for-profit organization's pint-size patrons.

"After that point, exhibits will start coming on board," Glenn said.

It's not clear what the exhibits will be, but playhouse staff are on the lookout. Exhibitors will rent space, similar to a booth system, which Glenn said is the norm within the Association of Children's Museums worldwide.

Like the HVAC system, the other upgrades are being financed through Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits from the state Department of Economic Development.

In January, the children's museum was granted $485,732 worth of the NAP credits to sell to businesses, Glenn said. So, for example, if a business bought a tax credit for $1,000, the money would go directly to the museum and the business would get back about 50 percent from the state.

"It's a fantastic tax break," Glenn said. "The donor ends up getting back a lot of it through tax credits."

Contributing businesses also benefit on federal taxes, depending on their brackets.

Discovery Playhouse was among only 16 other agencies awarded the credits, although the road to getting there was paved with a rigorous, 77-page application. Museum personnel also have been required to undergo training to make sure they're in compliance with NAP rules.

"The state is trying to build communities through this [program]," Glenn said.

ljones@semissourian.com

388-3652

Pertinent address:

502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.