Photo by Evan Bevins The former Masonic Temple at 900 Market St., Parkersburg, is the planned site of a new children’s museum focused on hands-on learning experiences in the areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

PARKERSBURG — The former Masonic Temple at Ninth and Market streets is the planned site of the Children’s Museum of the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The museum will be aimed at children up to 8 years old, with an emphasis on subjects of local interest and science, technology, engineering, arts and math (S.T.E.A.M.) skills, according to a release from Tres Ross, executive director of the Ross Foundation, the project’s lead investor. Renovations are expected to start next year, with a grand opening targeted for 2021, it says.

“This concept creates a fun environment for children and the community to experience educational programming through creative play environments with an emphasis on learning more about their local surroundings and industries,” said Ross, who is also chairman of the museum’s board.

The venture is expected to represent an investment of approximately $2.5 million, Parkersburg Development Director Rickie Yeager said Tuesday during a City Council Finance Committee meeting.

The committee referred to the full council a proposal to allocate $100,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds to make sidewalk repairs and improvements in front of the building.

“To me, it’s a minor investment for a major impact in our community,” Councilman John Reed said.

Built in 1915, the three-story building is owned by Masonic Properties Inc. and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Children’s Museum plans to close on the purchase of the property in the next few weeks, Ross said.

The museum board is growing and will include representatives from educational partners and various businesses, Ross said. Conceptual designs will be shared with the community in hopes of receiving feedback, he said.

“The Ross family and foundation have been tremendous partners in our community for generations, and their recent project is one that will provide a needed service to our youth,” Parkersburg Mayor Tom Joyce said.

Evan Bevins can be reached at ebevins@newsandsentinel.com.