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| Saint Louis Science Center 5050 Oakland Avenue 314-289-4400 or 1-800-456-7572 "For all the news that is Saint Louis, Saint Louis Front Page." |
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by Betty Moore, SLFP.com ST. LOUIS, MO, (SLFP.com), July 20, 2010 -The Saint Louis Science Center announced today, on its 25th Anniversary, it will soon break ground on a new $9.5 million, 13,000 square foot permanent exhibition hall that will replace the EXPLORADOME, built as a temporary exhibition hall. The announcement was made during a luncheon, held at the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park. In a quick interview prior to the luncheon, John McDonnell, retired chairman of the board, McDonnell Douglas Corporation, said, "This shows the Science Center is still expanding and looking to the future to becoming an even greater institution." He noted that the EXPLORADOME, the white, bubble-like structure just west of the Science Center's main building, is nearing the end of its lifespan and it was time to do something about replacing it. There is no cost to the taxpayers, confirmed McDonnell, as the capital expansion has been supported by generous commitments from private and corporate donors. "We are already one of the best science centers in the country and this will make us even better," he stated enthusiastically. The new hall, designed by PGAV Destinations and to be built by Alberici Constructors, will provide 12,000 net square feet of permanent exhibit space, making the Science Center even more appealing to companies seeking venues for blockbuster exhibitions. The project also includes a distinctive rooftop terrace, which will provide a unique setting for outdoor exhibits, educational programs and special events. In a release, Doug King, President and CEO of the Science Center, said, "We've always planned to replace the EXPLORADOME with a permanent exhibition space. PGAV has done a phenomenal job of designing a practical space that fits our needs and that will enhance the façade of our building and our visitors' experiences." Mike Konzen, Principal of PGAV Destinations, said, "We have been honored to work with the team at the Saint Louis Science Center and believe this new venue will help to support the institution's tradition of outstanding programming." The project was designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. The green roof is a major component in this certification, and is unique among green roof designs because it will also serve a functional purpose as venue for outdoor exhibits, educational programs and special events. The project also includes state-of-the-art energy compliant heating, cooling and lighting systems, and portions of the existing equipment will be replaced with more energy efficient models during construction. Other sustainable processes include diversion of construction waste, use of recycled content and regionally available materials, low emitting volatile organic compounds, and indoor air quality management during construction. The Science Center has retained Alberici Constructors as the Construction Manager, and site preparation has already begun. Alberici has performed projects for the Science Center previously. They completed the museum's main building on Oakland Avenue and pedestrian bridge over Highway 40 in 1991 and built the EXPLORADOME in 1997. The new hall is scheduled to be completed during the summer of 2011.  The St. Louis Science Center is located just south of Forest Park. The facility is connected to the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in Forest Park via a walkway across Highway 64. Visitors can enjoy numerous interactive exhibits and educational programs in a space station environment. Visitors will experience the simulation of a space launch as they are transported via the 'StarShuttle' (elevator) to the facility's two upper levels, collectively called the Boeing Space Station. In the SkyBay, over 9,000 twinkling stars and glowing planets can be seen slowly moving across the new 80 sq. ft. dome. Hours: Monday - Thursday & Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (Planetarium closes at 4:30 p.m. on Friday) Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There is no admission fee to the Science Center. However, there is a nominal charge for shows in the OMNIMAX® Theater, the Planetarium and some traveling exhibitions in the Exploradome. For more information, call 314-289-4400 or 1-800-456-7572.  
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