Title
Discovery Place Science Facilities Master Plan
Action
Action:
A. Approve an allocation of $950,000 to Discovery Place to fund a Facilities Master Plan, and
B. Adopt a budget ordinance appropriating $950,000 from the Cultural Facilities Operating (Tourism II) Fund for the Discovery Place Facilities Master Plan
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Catherine Horne, Discovery Place
Randy Harrington, Management & Financial Services
Explanation
* Discovery Place consists of four museums: Discovery Place Science, Discovery Place Nature, and two Discovery Place Kids.
* On January 9, 2017, the City Council received a Dinner Briefing on the Discovery Place Science Facilities Master Plan.
* Discovery Place Science opened in 1981 and is located on North Tryon Street. The City owns the facility.
* Previous capital investments by the City totaling $35.8 million for upgrades, renovations and other infrastructure improvements to Discovery Place include:
* $3.5 million in FY2016 for technology-related upgrades to lab content and exhibit space;
* $31.6 million in FY2007 for facility renovations and new exhibits;
* $540,000 in FY2000 for the Dining Room Expansion;
* $88,795 in FY2000 for Phase II lighting improvements; and
* $40,000 in FY1999 for Phase I lighting improvements.
* Last year approximately 500,000 people visited Discovery Place Science.
* Discovery Place plays a vital role in growing Charlotte's workforce and preparing its students for jobs of the future in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
* Discovery Place priorities include expanding exhibition and program space for a growing audience of citizens and visitors, creating public engagement with and community access to science, preparing students and educators for the growing STEM economy, and introducing the new wonders of science and innovation.
* To determine how best to maximize its Discovery Place Science facility on Tryon Street to meet these priorities and serve the needs of a growing and ch...
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