Kraemer Design + Production partnered with M. Catton & Co. (MCC) and Mosaic Life Care Foundation to revitalize the historic Plymouth Building in downtown St. Joseph, Missouri, turning the 3-story factory into a multi-use Children’s Discovery Center. The first floor features a café, gift shop, party rooms, office spaces, and several interactive elements, including a custom climbing and play structure that extends up to the mezzanine level. The mezzanine has spaces for infants and toddlers, including a messy room where little ones can paint on the walls, a reading nook, and two adjacent play spaces. The second floor is home to Tiny Town, complete with a kid-sized version of the local historic Missouri Theatre and a Mosaic Life Care hospital where guests can learn about neurology, pathology, and more. The barn, farmer’s market, and restaurant help kids learn about where their food comes from, and the grocery store encourages healthy choices for family mealtimes. A Missouri River water table and dedicated maker space round out the activities in the miniature town. The first floor, mezzanine, and second floor each have their own Quiet Room with various sensory items, where kids and parents alike can take a break from the bustle of the museum. The roof of InspireU allows guests panoramic views of historic St. Joseph and the Missouri River. A steamboat-themed climber serves as a centerpiece for the multi-use outdoor space. KD+P worked with MCC, Mosaic, local sponsors, and experienced fabricators to design the space from top to bottom. Interior finishes, graphics, exhibitry, theming, and interactives all fell under KD+P’s scope.
