The inner portion of Pier 45 has already seen its share of controversy. Two years ago, port commissioners voted to approve a Cleveland corporation's plan to build a history museum there that many city leaders opposed as too commercial, with its replication of earthquakes and various neighborhoods around the city.

In fall 2000 voters approved an advisory measure that instead advocated a nonprofit-run educational facility such as a competing proposal called the Bay Center and the Ohio developer ended up pulling out altogether last year. Shed A is currently used for storage, Dunn adds.

One of the Bay Center organizers, wharf merchant Chris Martin of the Cannery, says he's sympathetic to the plight of the Musee Mecanique but wants to be sure any stay at Pier 45 would not interfere with his group's longer-term proposal. He adds that a new board is being formed, whose first job will be to raise $38 million to complete the environmentally oriented facility and receive title to the shed from the commission.

Because raising money is expected to take at least a year and a half, Martin says he has no problem with a one-year lease for the joint museum venture until other homes can be found. The longer their stay, however, the more likely a conflict might arise.