A hotel, a new atrium, outdoor play and exhibit areas and a ‘Neighborhood of Play’ – a residential project with retail units, sculptures and street fixtures are all planned for US attraction the Strong National Museum of Play’s reinvention.

The museum has entered the first phase of a 100,000q ft (2,290sq m) expansion, which has a total fundraising goal of fundraising goal of US$60m (€52.5M, £47m).

US$20m (€17.5m, £15.7m) from the state and an anonymous submission of US$1 million have so far been raised.

Having acquired nearby property for $2m (€1.8m, £1.6m), the Strong National Museum of Play’s Neighborhood of Play is forecast to generate $130m (€113.8m, £101.9m) in annual economic impact for the Rochester, New York area it inhabits.

The project includes a multi-coloured, curved facade parking garage for residents of the Neighbourhood of Play, as well as visitors.

The whole project has been designed by CJS Architects and is managed by LeChase Construction Services.

Monroe County executive Cheryl Dinolfo said: "It is incredibly important that we provide the right support for these institutions to have people come to Monroe County."

“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build something that will be transformational for our members, our guests, and our region,” added Steve Dubnik, president and CEO of the museum.