Henderson Space and Science Center unveils a conceptual design and model
The Henderson Space & Science Center's board took another step toward opening a museum recently by unveiling its conceptual design and model.
"Everything that has happened in this community has required vision," said Jim Gibson, board president and former Henderson mayor . "When Steve Wynn opened the Mirage, he took it to the next level. Since then, it has been the next level after the next level after the next level."
A space and science center is Henderson's next level, board members believe.
Gibson said the Las Vegas Valley is one of the few major metropolitan areas in the United States without some sort of science center.
"We don't have anything in the valley that would inspire kids to want to work for NASA or work in other science fields," Gibson said.
By partnering with kindergarten through 12th grade, the center could fill in the education gaps left open through budget cuts by inspiring children and youths through interactive learning experiences.
"Then they are convinced space is the limit," Gibson added. "So they can say, 'I can be something different.' "
Tate Snyder Kimsey Architects developed the design that was revealed at the Feb. 10 meeting. It features multipurpose event spaces, lecture halls and indoor and outdoor exhibit areas.
The exhibit areas are expected to have interactive elements that allow a hands-on experience for guests.
"We are going to have as few 'do not touch' signs as possible," said Jack Clark, the center's executive director and a former city councilman .
Board members have traveled to other museums and science centers around the country to figure out what was functional and what didn't work.
Clark estimates that the total revenue stream each year could be around $4.5 million based on about 350,000 guests.
"We are working to get a more accurate number," Clark said.
Based on other science centers and museums around the country, Clark said, 350,000 is a low-end estimate for attendance.
"People are trying to get more value out of their entertainment dollar," Clark said. "That is why there has been an increase in attendance at science centers and museums."
Clark said people could bring their entire family to the center for what it would cost to pay for one person at Disneyland.
The center also would serve as a community gathering space where other nonprofits could hold events.
The center would be built in Union Village, the $1.5 billion health and multiuse facility planned at U.S. Highway 95 and Galleria Drive.
The city of Henderson has allotted five acres and $21 million from a land fund for the construction of the center. The board still needs to raise an additional $63 million through fundraising, donors and grants.
With the conceptual design in place, the board hopes to secure more donors .
The board is optimistic about raising funds because of the need for the community to have the center.
Even with a rough economy and a city deficit, Gibson thinks the city needs to look to the future.
"Someday, we will come out of this," Gibson said. "But if we come out of this and have nothing we have looked forward to, we are going to be disappointed."
As a next step, Gibson plans to ask the Henderson City Council Feb. 21 for $2.91 million, which would allow the board to prepare a bidders package.
The board also is searching for a development officer to help with fundraising. Its initial fundraising plan, which was drafted by consultant John Gallagher, suggested that the conceptual design and model would help lure donors.
The board sought Gallagher as a permanent development developer officer, but he was unavailable.
"He said he would help us when the time comes to find a development officer," Clark said.
Clark said the center could open by summer 2015.
"That is more of an aggressive schedule," Clark said. "We are not afraid of a little hard work."
Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.
