Imagination Station

Imagination Station (formerly the Center of Science and Industry (COSI)) is a non-profit, hands-on science museum located on the Maumee riverfront in downtown Toledo, Ohio. The facility has over 300 exhibits for "children of all ages."[1]

Imagination Station
Museum's main entrance with renovated exterior
Former name
Center of Science and Industry (COSI), Toledo Science Center
EstablishedOctober 10, 2009 (October 10, 2009)
LocationToledo, Ohio
TypeScience museum
Websiteimaginationstationtoledo.org

The museum opened in 1997 as COSI. After tax levies failed in 2006[2] and 2007, COSI closed its doors to the public on the last day of 2007 due to lack of funding.[3] In 2008, voters approved an operating levy to reopen the facility as The Toledo Science Center. This interim name was replaced by "Imagination Station," which opened on 10 October 2009.[4]

History

In 1984, the Portside Festival Marketplace shopping mall opened along the Maumee River, on the site of the former Tiedtke's department store. There were hopes that the mall might revitalize downtown Toledo, but it closed in 1990.[5] A mayoral committee appointed to find the best use for the site heard repeated community requests for an educational family attraction. The city asked COSI Columbus about its experience and resources, and subsequently the city and the Columbus organization created COSI Toledo, an independent, not-for-profit organization with a board of trustees from northwest Ohio.

A fundraising campaign raised $9.5 million, surpassing the goal by $4.5 million. The state government gave another $10 million.[6] The former Portside Festival Marketplace facility was transferred to COSI at a value of $16 million. On March 1, 1997, COSI opened its doors to the public.[7] The facility attracted an average of 250,000 visitors per year over its first decade.[8][6]

In 2005, COSI won a National Award for Museum and Library Service from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor for extraordinary public service by a museum or library.[9] The award was presented by Laura Bush at a White House ceremony in January 2006.[10]

On July 28, 2006, COSI Toledo and COSI Columbus legally split so each could focus on their own financial troubles.[11] Later that year, Berrien Springs Public Schools awarded a 2006 Teachers' Choice Awards to COSI for its distance learning program.[12] After voters voted down a second levy in November 2007, COSI Toledo closed due to lack of funding on December 31, 2007.[3]

On November 4, 2008, Lucas County, Ohio, voters approved an operating levy for the science center, enabling it to reopen in fall 2009.

Renovation

In 2019, the Imagination Station launched a $10 million upgrade, including an 8,200-square-foot theater with a 4K, 3D-capable screen and seats for people. KeyBank paid $2 million to name it KeyBank Discovery Theater. The new attraction requires the demolition of a pedestrian bridge. The center remains open during the construction, which is set to be complete in June 2020.[13][14]

References
  1. Erika Ray (2006). "Hot spots: New attractions take center stage at popular locales". Discover 2006. The Blade. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2016. COSI has more than 300 exhibits for children of all ages
  2. Jenni Laidman (November 9, 2006). "COSI seeks interim financial solution". The Blade. Archived from the original on June 16, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  3. "Imagination Station". Imaginationstationtoledo.org. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  4. Erica Blake (October 11, 2009). "1,100 flock to opening-day festivities at Toledo science center". Toledo Blade. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  5. "COSI Toledo". Cultural Facilities Projects. Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission. Archived from the original on April 6, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  6. "COSI Toledo". Cultural Facilities Projects. Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission. Archived from the original on April 6, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  7. Big Wheel at COSI Toledo, vol. 59, Toledo, Ohio: The Blade, 1997-03-01
  8. "FAQ for COSI Toledo". COSI Toledo. Archived from the original on June 24, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  9. "Three Museums and Three Libraries to Receive Nation's Highest Honor for Extraordinary Community Service" (Press release). Institute of Museum and Library Services. November 30, 2005. Archived from the original on September 25, 2006. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  10. "Laura Bush lauds COSI Toledo". Toledoblade.com. January 31, 2006. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  11. Burns, Adrian (2006-11-06). "COSI Columbus splitting with Toledo counterpart". bizjournals.com. Archived from the original on August 5, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  12. Janine Lim. "Teachers' Choice Awards: Best Content Providers". Berrien Springs Public Schools. Archived from the original on April 3, 2011. Retrieved July 31, 2016.
  13. Mester, Alexandra. "Imagination Station to receive $10 million upgrade". Toledo Blade. Block Communications. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  14. Hormann, Bill. "Imagination Station to undergo $11M in renovations". 13abc.com. WTVG. Retrieved 7 October 2019.

41°39′07″N 83°31′53″W

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