CLEVELAND, Ohio --- A proposed expansion of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame would increase exhibit and performance space and provide a connection between the museum and the neighboring Great Lakes Science Center.

The expansion would cost an estimated $30 million to $35 million and would require the museum to lease city-owned land between the museum and the science center.

City Council is considering the lease. If the lease is approved, the museum would begin work before the end of 2021 and complete the project in about 36 months.

The expansion, which would add about 50,000 square feet of space to the museum, would be built into the hillside, allowing views of the lake to remain unobscured while providing greater access to a plaza stage at the site.

The new space would include additional room for food and beverage services, offices and archives, better circulation between the museums upper and lower levels and new classrooms for educational programs. At ground level, a covered walkway would be added for a valet zone.

The museum, which opened in 1995, draws about 600,000 visitors annually. The Rock Hall estimates it contributes about $1 million in annual tax revenue to Cleveland through its admissions, income and parking and entertainment tax receipts.

In materials presented to Cleveland City Council, the museum noted it already has spent more than $23 million on upgrades to the existing museum, with another $25 million in upgrades to come.

The first phase of a capital fundraising campaign raised about $57.5 million toward expanding education programs and renovation of the Hall of Fame floor and the first floor and outdoor plaza.

The museum intends to create an interactive music experience for visitors this July and will renovate the main exhibit hall in 2020.

But none of the upgrades created additional space, which the museum says is needed for continued growth.

Cleveland City Council’s Transportation Committee got a look at the plans Wednesday. The Transportation Committee got the first briefing because the expansion will involve a lease with Cleveland’s Division of Port Control, which controls the property.

As part of the lease, the Rock Hall would have to show that it was raising money for the expansion by certain dates.

Council’s Development, Planning and Sustainability Committee will also review the plans before the proposal could go before City Council.

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