Construction is underway on the hands-on learning destination, led by PCL Construction and Community Contractors

 

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (May 21, 2026) — The Grand Forks Children’s Museum broke ground on its new facility yesterday, bringing together community leaders and a project team led by PCL Construction and Community Contractors. The primarily donor-funded hands-on learning facility is designed to inspire creativity, discovery and exploration for children and families across the region. 

The groundbreaking event welcomed representatives from the City of Grand Forks, the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, project partners and stakeholders to commemorate a milestone more than three decades in the making.  

Speakers included Mayor of Grand Forks Brandon Bochenski and Katie Mayer, Executive Director of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, who highlighted the project’s long-term impact. 

“The groundbreaking of the museum marks more than the start of construction. It represents the foundation of a place built by and for our community,” said Katie Mayer, executive director of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. “The museum will draw families from across the region, creating opportunities for children to root in learning, rise in confidence, and grow through play. We are proud to be building something that will strengthen our community for generations.”  

The 34,000-square-foot museum is envisioned as a hub for regional engagement and family learning, designed around a theme of earth and sky that reflects the character of Grand Forks and the surrounding region. The facility will feature 15,000 square feet of permanent exhibit space, 1,500 square feet of rotating exhibit space, multipurpose learning rooms, a large interactive climbing structure, and indoor and outdoor hands-on installations. Exhibits will highlight local industries and resources — including the Red River, agriculture and aviation — through immersive experiences intended to inspire creativity, discovery and exploration for children and families.

Trent Johnson, vice president and district manager for PCL’s Minneapolis buildings division, shared the project team’s excitement about the museum’s future impact: “The Grand Forks Children’s Museum will be a powerful community asset that brings families together and creates new opportunities for learning and discovery. Through our joint venture with Community Contractors, we are proud to help deliver a space that supports education, creativity and connection, and that will serve the Grand Forks community for generations to come.” 

"It is an honor to be part of a project that aligns so perfectly with our commitment to the Grand Forks area,” said Craig Tweten, president of Community Contractors, Inc. “The Children's Museum represents a significant investment in our children and a huge asset for the surrounding communities. We are thrilled to bring this amazing vision to life and to help create a space where local families can connect, explore and grow together.” 

Construction on the Grand Forks Children’s Museum is expected to be completed in summer 2027. 

The full project team was present at the event, representing the breadth of community involvement. Partners include: 

  • EAPC Architects Engineers (Architect of Record): EAPC is an award-winning full-service design and consulting firm offering architectural and engineering services. The firm will provide project management and coordination as well as structural, mechanical and electrical engineering services. 
  • MSR Design (Design Architect): MSR Design creates transformative and human-centric, award-winning architecture and interior design. The firm engaged directly with educators, families, and community members to design a clear, inclusive, and adaptable environment. 
  • Roto (Exhibit Design, Fabrication & Installation): Roto is a nationally recognized experience design and fabrication firm specializing in children’s museums, science centers, and family-oriented cultural attractions. The Roto team will help create exhibits that inspire curiosity and creativity. 
  • Boss Display (Water Table Design, Fabrication & Installation): Boss Display is a premier designer, engineer, and fabricator of interactive exhibits for children's museums, science centers, and educational spaces. The Boss team will be essential in bringing these visionary, interactive exhibits to life. 

The museum is still accepting donations for its new facility. For more information, visit https://www.grandforkschildrensmuseum.com/.

  

About Grand Forks Children's Museum
The Grand Forks Inc. Children's Museum is a beacon of creativity and learning, designed to inspire and empower young minds through exploration. It will feature a variety of interactive exhibits, a climbing feature, and an outdoor plaza that connects to an adjacent public park. The museum's design emphasizes accessibility, inclusion, and environmental sensitivity, considering the site's microclimate. It aims to be a world-class destination that transforms lives through play and a love of learning, connecting the community and providing a space for families to create lasting memories. For more information, visit https://www.grandforkschildrensmuseum.com/.    

 

About PCL Construction 
PCL Construction is one of the most respected and accomplished global construction leaders, comprising independent companies operating throughout the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and Australia. With an annual construction volume of $9.9 billion USD, PCL builds projects that shape communities and strengthen infrastructure. The company’s 100% employee ownership model fuels a culture of commitment for clients in the buildings, civil infrastructure, heavy industrial and solar markets. With a strategic presence in more than 30 major centers, PCL’s leadership teams consistently drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence, bringing unparalleled skill to every project. Watch us build at PCL.com. 

  

About Community Contractors 
Founded in 1981 by President Craig Tweten, Community Contractors, Inc. is a premier developer and construction management firm headquartered in Grand Forks. Community Contractors has established itself as a respected industry leader, known for tailoring its services to meet the precise goals, schedules, and budgets of every client. Operating across both the public and private sectors, Community Contractors is defined by a commitment to excellence and a solutions-oriented mindset. To learn more, visit communitycontractorsinc.com.