The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) in Jacksonville, Florida has received approval to proceed with the disposition process of four acres of land for the construction of a new museum at the Jacksonville Shipyards.
The $85m MOSH Genesis project involves building a new facility and relocating from the Southbank of Downtown Jacksonville. MOSH has operated in its current location since 1969, but operations have outgrown the facility.
The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) board voted unanimously to approve the land disposition during a meeting on January 19. It includes 2.5 acres for the new building, in addition to a 1.5-acre ‘partnership parcel’.
“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.”
$85m MOSH Genesis project
MOSH plans to enter a ground lease with the City of Jacksonville for $1 per year, with the DIA set to present the lease to the Jacksonville City Council in the coming months. Before then, MOSH will continue the design process and present a full site plan to the DIA by September 30, 2022.
Preliminary project analysis by ConsultEcon estimates that the new MOSH will increase annual attendance from 175,000 to 469,000 – an increase of 168 percent. It will also increase the operating budget to $8m and contribute $2.3m in new salaries and wages to the local economy.
“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,” said Christian Harden, chair of the MOSH board of trustees. “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.”
Images: Museum of Science & History
