After years of hosting successful camps and regional school programs, Kids Discovery Factory leaders have finally identified a permanent home, according to a KDF news release. Thanks to the creative vision and generosity of Batesville Tool & Die, KDF will move forward with plans to renovate an existing three-story building on Sycamore Street in downtown Batesville.
A BTD news release noted, “Purchasing this location for KDF solidifies our commitment to promote manufacturing and engineering talents at a young age. Pair that with exhibits featuring production lines, engineering techniques and areas of technology, this tourism destination will encompass many of the practices Batesville Tool & Die uses in our everyday processes.”
Upon completion, KDF’s future home will serve as a world-class field trip and regional tourism destination, engaging thousands of kids from across southeastern Indiana in the areas of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM).
KDF found the building, formerly owned by Jeffrey and Melissa Tucker, while conducting due diligence on a variety of possible locations. The excellent condition of the structure and mechanical systems, in addition to the location, size and potential for modification, made it a prime consideration. In combination with the neighboring vacant lot, previously French’s Meat Locker, Kids Discovery Factory officials will be able to expand the footprint using a phased approach.
BTD is a longtime supporter of its summer camps and hosted a Mobile Factory visit for employees’ families. When approached by Kids Discovery Factory about the building, BTD board member Ronda Green expressed excitement at the opportunity to make a foundational impact to the project.
With current camps and activities pulling from 10 counties, Batesville Tool & Die officials feel supporting the project will be beneficial to all manufacturers in filling workforce shortages and supporting the growth of manufacturing to this region.
BTD President and CEO Jody Fledderman said, “We want the community to know Batesville Tool & Die is committed to STEAM. This is right up our alley in terms of what we do, the people we employ and the kids we can employ in the future.”
KDF intends to complete renovation of the existing building and open phase one within 12 months. The organization will install three floors of engaging exhibits, providing hands-on experiences with STEAM concepts. The phase two expansion into the neighboring lot will allow the addition of KDF’s largest exhibit areas.
KDF executive director Amber McGuire said, “The partnership with Batesville Tool & Die allows us to bring our planning for a brick-and-mortar location to life. Their commitment to strengthening workforce development for regional manufacturers and improving quality of life for residents of southeastern Indiana is truly inspirational. We are thankful for the support of such visionary leaders.”
KDF has hosted 800 students during its seven years of summer STEAM enrichment camps and engaged more than 12,000 kids with its traveling school exhibit program, Kids Discovery Mobile Factory. Regional attendance in the phase one building is estimated at 30,000 visitors annually, increasing tourism traffic to 50,000 once phase two opens.
Fledderman stated, “In my opinion, this is one of the best giving opportunities that has come along for this community in a long time.” Project funding will be obtained through a capital campaign, which will be launched later this year.
