SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND
The Michigan Science Center (Mi-Sci), located in Detroit’s Cultural Center, is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring curious minds of all ages to discover, explore, and appreciate science, technology, engineering, and math in a creative, dynamic learning environment. Serving over 75,000 guests annually, Mi-Sci is committed to accessible, inclusive, and impact-driven programs—especially for early childhood and underserved communities. Kids Town is Mi-Sci’s longstanding early childhood STEM gallery, serving children ages 6 and under. While the main exhibit space is vibrant, adjacent support areas are underutilized and have suffered water damage and wear. This project seeks experienced partners to design and renovate these spaces, converting back-of-house storage into classrooms and program areas, and to enhance/re-imagine themed mini-galleries for early learners.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Mi-Sci is soliciting proposals from qualified design and architectural teams (with contractor capability or partnerships) for the comprehensive renovation of Kids Town’s support spaces. The selected vendor will: • Plan and design flexible, accessible classroom and program environments • Develop creative concepts for 8–10 themed mini-galleries (ranging from enhancement to full reimagination) • Prepare blueprints/drawings, engineering, and cost estimates • (Preferred) serve as general contractor or construction manager for the project • Deliver concept renderings for use at a November 2025 fundraising event.
PROJECT SCOPE
• Conduct a site assessment of all targeted back-of-house/storage areas adjacent to Kids Town
• Create phased design concepts for new/flexible classroom spaces and mini-galleries (e.g., Option A: enhancement; Option B: full reimagination) MI-SCI 2025 Kids Town Project
• Provide all blueprints, renderings, engineering documents, and project costings for both options
• Engage with Mi-Sci’s staff and relevant committees to ensure plans advance accessibility, child safety, and playful STEM learning
• Deliver concept drawings/renderings by November 3, 2025
Please download the complete RFP here: Request for Proposals_Kids Town_v2