Flexible Financing Supports a Multi-Phase Museum Expansion

The Strong National Museum of Play (The Strong) set out to expand capacity and enhance the visitor experience through a major, multi-phase development. The plan included a 90,000-square-foot addition and several new public-facing experiences as part of the Neighborhood of Play—a larger downtown Rochester revitalization initiative led by The Strong, combining museum expansion with a new hotel, residential housing, retail, and outdoor play spaces. 

As the project advanced, The Strong required additional financing to support new assets and phases—without slowing timelines or placing unnecessary strain on cash flow.

– Steve Dubnik, President & CEO, The Strong Museum

First American delivered a flexible financing solution designed to complement The Strong’s primary bank relationship. A lease line of credit gave the museum access to capital on an as-needed basis—supporting key milestones across multiple phases and easing the strain on cash flow. 

The structure included financing for distinct, visitor-facing assets such as the ropes course, food court expansion, and exhibit shop. These were kept separate from the bank’s secured assets to preserve collateral structure and avoid disruption to existing agreements. This targeted approach gave The Strong additional runway to move forward confidently without impacting the broader project plan. 

Interim funding and milestone-based disbursements proved especially valuable given the project’s complexity and extended timeline. First American’s flexibility, transparent terms, and collaborative service model helped The Strong reduce financial pressure and advance its projects.