Generous support from Mary Rutan Foundation will help the LoCo Kids Foundation reach a major renovation milestone in the development of Imaginarium, Bellefontaine’s first children’s museum, through the purchase of new exterior windows.

LoCo Kids Foundation, founded in February 2024, has launched a transformational capital campaign to create a hands-on children’s museum designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection for generations of families across rural Ohio.

After purchasing the Bellefontaine Savings and Loan Building in June 2025, the LoCo Kids Foundation Board established an ambitious goal to turn the nationally registered historic building at 149 W. Columbus Ave. into a destination experience where families can play, explore, discover and imagine.

“We purchased this building with big dreams, and the windows were the first on the list for renovation. New windows will seal up the building and allow our team of contractors to work efficiently and safely on the inside of the space,” said Jordan McBride, LoCo Kids Foundation executive director and founder.

“This gift from the Mary Rutan Foundation was the initial investment needed to start on our window project, and we were able to purchase all of the first-floor windows for the building.”

Installation of the first new windows is expected in September.

The Mary Rutan Foundation was among the first community partners LoCo Kids approached to explore a potential partnership.

As part of its mission, Mary Rutan Foundation supports philanthropic partnerships dedicated to the health and well-being of the community it serves. Members of the Foundation’s Board toured the building earlier this year and saw firsthand the potential the space has to inspire healthy development among local youth.

“The Imaginarium is an exciting investment in the future of Logan County. This project will create opportunities for children to learn through exploration, creativity, and play while providing families with a welcoming space to connect and grow together,” stated Bobbie Trittschuh, Mary Rutan Foundation executive director.

“Experiences like these play an important role in healthy child development, and we are proud to support LoCo Kids as it brings this vision to life.”

LoCo Kids Foundation’s capital campaign goal totals $3.5 million.

LoCo Kids is looking for transformational gifts to help fund spaces in the museum, such as the Innovation Lab, Water Play Gallery, Teaching Kitchen and other interactive exhibit stations. Should you or your company have an interest in learning more about this project and partnering with LoCo Kids, contact McBride or visit locokids.org.

The goal is to have the Imaginarium open to the community in summer 2027