As the countdown to 2016 begins, the folks at Discovery Playhouse in downtown Cape Girardeau are closer to tackling more work on the building's second floor.

Long-awaited exhibit walls could begin construction in the next couple of weeks if a building contractor is chosen by Friday.

Pansy Glenn, executive director of the not-for-profit children's museum, said three project bids are out, and one is expected back by Friday.

If that one is chosen as the most cost-effective estimate, the 8-foot partial walls upstairs could start being installed as early as the next week.

Then, by the first of the year, a coalition of 65 exhibitors finally can begin preparing their list of new attractions, some of which include a miniature theater, a duck blind, an airplane/control tower and a bubble-blowing room, among others.

The only hitch is finding a way to complete the party room adjoining the two main exhibit spaces upstairs. Both large main rooms and the unfinished party room occupy 7,500 square feet -- the same amount of space as the exhibits on the main floor of the building at 502 Broadway.

"We need to get enough (funding) to build the party room, which is a big revenue generator," Glenn said.

A primary way to do that is through Neighborhood Assistance Program tax credits from the Missouri Department of Economic Development, which reimburses participating businesses up to half of what they invest. The credits also make them eligible for a federal tax benefit.

"The NAP credits keep tax money in the community," Glenn said, instead of sending it to other cities.

During 2014, Playhouse staff collected more than $150,000 in NAP credits, but have only netted a little more than $15,000 worth this year.

Glenn said she's hoping that amount will grow in the near future because the original grant proposal for the credits officially ends at the end of December.

"This is the time of year that people buy NAP credits," Glenn said.

If significant progress isn't made, the two-year grant will have to be extended for another year, the maximum amount of time allowed.

ljones@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3652

Pertinent address:

502 Broadway, Cape Girardeau, Mo.