KDF breaks ground on $5.4M expansion project

(BATESVILLE, Ind.) – Kids Discovery Factory recently broke ground on their $5.4 million expansion project in Batesville. 

The 10,000-square-foot facility will be a three-story hub for hands-on STEAM learning for children across the region. 

KDF Executive Director said the groundbreaking ceremony symbolized not only the start of construction, but also new opportunities for youth in Southeast Indiana.  

“This is where imagination will meet innovation, where children will explore, experiment, and discover the power of their own ideas," Uden said.

She added, “When Kids Discovery Factory first began, we dreamed of a place that reflected our community’s spirit of creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. Over the years, through outreach across fifteen counties, that dream has grown stronger. And today it becomes real.”

Here are some additional photos of the groundbreaking ceremony:

The project is being brought to life through community investment from both public and private entities. 

It began with the Rising Sun Regional Foundation and the Fred and Jolene Rockwood Family Foundation who both contributed $25,000 in an effort to inspire more investment. 

Following that, the City of Batesville, Accelerate Rural Indiana READI Region, Batesville Tool & Die, the John A. Hillenbrand Family Foundation, FCN Bank, Napoleon State Bank, and Friendship State Bank have also contributed.

“To everyone who has helped us reach this milestone — thank you. You are building far more than walls; you’re building confidence, creativity, and a sense of possibility in the next generation," Uden added.

Construction is now underway with a projected opening in the fall of 2026. 

Those pictured in the groundbreaking photo above are: Brett Hofer, Daryl Werner, Lisa Deck, Emili Uden, Brad Stoneking, Rhastina Blessing, Brent Myers, Trisha Goldsmith, Amber McGuire, Sabrina Andonegui, and Jillian Freese.

For more information, you can visit Kids Discovery Factory's website by clicking here.