(Berkeley, CA) May 18, 2006—
The Bay Area’s award-winning Habitot Children’s Museum is one step closer to relocating to the City of Emeryville. Last night, Habitot and the Emery Unified School District co-signed a Letter of Intent to negotiate a lease for a 20,000 square foot building just off Powell Street.

The property, which has easy freeway and BART access, will triple Habitot’s current exhibition space. In addition, Habitot will gain designated parking, a performance auditorium, a cafe, and an outdoor play environment.

Bob Canter, President and CEO of the Emeryville Chamber of Commerce says, "This is wonderful news for our City. Habitot’s move has the Chamber's full support and we will do all we can to bring this tremendous asset to Emeryville.”

The City of Emeryville will become host to the East Bay’s only hands-on discovery museum designed specifically for young children. The eight-year old museum, currently located in an office building in downtown Berkeley, attracts more than 250 visitors a day. Habitot helps parents and educators address the intellectual, creative, and social needs of young children, including thousands of at-risk children participating through the museum’s outreach efforts.

“Habitot has a great reputation for engaging people locally and regionally, says Emeryville’s Mayor, Ruth Atkin. “We are looking forward to a deep collaboration and partnership that will benefit our community.”

More than $350,000 has been raised from individual donors towards Habitot’s relocation plans. Habitot’s Board of Directors expects to approve a capital effort of several million dollars for renovation and new exhibits as soon as the lease is formalized.

Current location:
2065 Kittredge St., Berkeley, CA 94704 www.habitot.org 510-647-1111

Hours:
Tuesday 9:30-5:00
Wednesday 9:30-1:00
Thursday 9:30-7:00
Friday 9:30-5:00
Saturday 10:00-5:00

Admission:
$6 children, $5 adults, members and children under 12 months free