DETROIT (WXYZ) — Thanks to a few year-end monetary gifts, the Motown Museum expansion project is gaining momentum.
According to a release from the organization, the gifts total $2.28 million and were donated by multiple organizations. The announcement was made by Robin R. Terry, CEO and chairwoman of the board of trustees of Motown Museum on Thursday.
The entire project is estimated to cost $50 million.
A gift of $1.3 million was given by The Kresge Foundation. This donation will support the museum's public plaza, to be used as a community gathering space. Additionally, funds will go toward the renovation of three buildings for education and community programs.
AARP donated $225,000, and is the first non-local organization to do so. In 2016, AARP donated $200,000. With this latest gift, the organization's total donations to date for the project total $425,000.
The Elaine & Leo Stern Foundation gifted the museum $500,000 toward expansion efforts. Lastly, the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) presented a gift of $55,000.
“2018 has been a stellar year for our expansion campaign, with the momentum we’ve experienced continuing to serve as a powerful sign of the significance of this movement and the meaningful impact the Motown story has both here in Detroit and around the world,” said Robbin R. Terry, Motown Museum CEO. “With our vibrant local foundation community providing generous gifts, as well as AARP showing their support as a national organization engaged in this project, these groups recognize the importance of our mission to tell more stories from the Motown legacy and inspire the next great generation of artists, musicians and entrepreneurs.”
The museum's expansion was announced in 2016. The expansion welcomes a new 50,000-square-foot world-class entertainment, eduction and tourist destination, according to a release. For more information on the project visit www.motownmuseum.org.
