Museum of Science & History (MOSH) Receives Unanimous Approval from Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) Board to Proceed with Land Disposition
Vote authorizes disposition of four acres on the Shipyards East property

Jan. 26, 2022 — Jacksonville, Fla. — The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) has received approval from the Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) to proceed in the disposition process for four acres on the Shipyards East for the construction of a new museum.

DIA’s board voted unanimously to approve the disposition (Resolution 2022-01-03) during its January 19 meeting. The disposition includes 2.5 acres for the new building, as well as a 1.5-acre “Partnership Parcel” that will include a publicly accessible Riverwalk and park space for both public and private events.

The resolution highlighted several areas of alignment between MOSH’s vision for the new Museum and the redevelopment goals and strategic objectives outlined in the DIA’s BID/CRA plan. The future home of MOSH will inspire the joy of lifelong learning, bring to life the sciences and regional history through captivating experiences and energize the Sports & Entertainment District.

MOSH intends to enter a ground lease with the City of Jacksonville for $1 per year. The DIA will present the lease to the City Council in the coming months. In the interim, MOSH will continue the design process and present a full site plan to the DIA for review by September 30, 2022.

“This development is an important step forward in our efforts to deliver a dynamic, iconic and innovative new MOSH at the Shipyards,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “Our discussions with the DIA over the past several months have resulted in a resolution that paves the way for an iconic addition to the Northbank skyline. Together with our architecture and design partners, we look forward to finalizing the lease as soon as possible.”

MOSH celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2021, and has operated in its current location on the Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville since 1969. The Museum’s operations have outgrown the 77,000-square-foot facility; building a new Museum will significantly expand the organization’s capacity to serve more students and visitors.

A preliminary project analysis by ConsultEcon estimates that the new Museum will increase annual attendance from 175,000 (2017-2019 average) to 469,000, a 168% increase; triple tourism attendance; increase the Museum’s operating budget to $8 million, nearly tripling its pre-pandemic budget; and create 78 new jobs, contributing $2.3 million in new salaries and wages to the local economy.

To date, the MOSH Genesis capital campaign has secured more than 36% of the estimated total project cost of $85 million.

“The DIA’s approval to proceed with a land lease is a win-win for our community and the many generous supporters who have committed to helping us turn this vision into a reality. Securing this approval reinforces both MOSH’s strength as a civic treasure and the community’s enthusiasm for a nationally significant museum utilizing the green space on the banks of the St Johns River,” said Christian Harden, Chair of the MOSH Board of Trustees.

For more information about the MOSH Genesis vision, or to support the campaign through a contribution, visit moshgenesis.com or email MOSHGenesis@themosh.org.

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Press Contact:
Natalie DeYoung
904-891-0672
natalie@wearewingard.com

About MOSH:
The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Admission is $15.95 for adults; $12.95 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children two and under or Museum members. Learn more at themosh.org.

Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.