The museum, a non-profit organization, was previously located in Woodlands Mall in the former Mervyn's space. The museum was allowed to occupy the space at a discounted rate until the owner, Chicago-based General Growth Properties Inc., found another big-box tenant. The mall REIT notified the museum that it would need to vacate the space in October, according to Denise Ksiazek of Cypressbrook Co.

Ksiazek represented the museum lease transaction, while Ben Brown of Regency Centers Corp. represented the landlord. She tells GlobeSt. that the museum looked at more than 15 different spaces, but was unable to finalize a new lease before it had to vacate its previous space. As a result, the museum was essentially homeless until it leased space at Panther Creek Village Square, which is located at 4775 W. Panther Creek Dr.

The museum's new location is scheduled to open in July and will feature a variety of educational and empowerment activities and exhibits for children and their families as well as a facility for birthday parties and other events. It hosts more than 65,000 visitors each year.

"The museum loves the convenience the new space provides, along with a nice, safe atmosphere for parents to bring their children," Ksiazek says, adding that the museum typically attracts children seven years and younger.

With the addition of the children's museum, the 166,280-square-foot shopping center is now 98 percent leased, according to Brown. The property is anchored by Randall's and other tenants include: Subway, Starbucks, CVS/pharmacy and Sears Hardware.