Explanation
This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Department of Finance and Management to enter into a grant agreement with the Franklin County Historical Society dba COSI (Center of Science and Industry).
COSI is a critical community partner, including supporting Columbus residents of all ages and backgrounds in their educational journey. This includes key programming for the Columbus community, like the COSI Color of Science program, the annual COSI Science Festival, Learning Lunchbox STEM kits, Dr. B in 3, and the PLATFORM. Additionally, onsite experiences in the city-owned building, including fieldtrips for Title 1 schools, little kidspace for early childhood education, educational programs for those with special-needs, and more, ensure COSI is accessible to learners of all backgrounds. This funding will ensure the building remains physically accessible to all learners.
The funding from the City will be used by COSI for upgrading and improving its elevator systems. These upgrades ensure that every corner of the building remains accessible to all guests. COSI’s elevator systems required updates to maintain safety standards. The modernized elevators take full advantage of recent elevator system upgrades, ensuring their elevators are able to provide safe, reliable mobility options to COSI’s more than 700,000 guests annually.
Accessibility is core to the work of COSI - from free community programs like the COSI Science Festival and the hundreds of thousands of Learning Lunchboxes distributed throughout the state to steeply discounted admission to the building through the Museums for All program. Elevator modernization represents a critical link in ensuring the building remains accessible and welcoming to all. Aging elevator mechanicals threaten that access, causing more frequent and prolonged downtime that can force guests to travel to another section of the 320,000 square foot building for an elevator. Additionally, many of the parts used in current e...
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