OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — A new science center project is planned for the riverfront.
The Omaha Discovery Trust announced its plans to build a science center on Omaha’s Lewis and Clark Landing. The proposed 82,000-square-foot attraction will be a learning and entertainment destination offering interactive exhibitions and engaging programs focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The center is said to be welcoming of all ages and hopes to be a family-friendly destination in the city.
“We believe this innovative community space will have a powerful and lasting influence on fueling our city’s workforce development,” said Bruce Grewcock, Kiewit chairman and founding member of the project. “The science center will help us nurture a diverse workforce by creating a space that will inspire young people to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math even before they get to high school.”
The science center, which will complement The Riverfront Revitalization Project, will include views of the Missouri River and downtown Omaha and will be situated between the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge and a children’s playground area.
The privately funded, $101 million project total includes construction costs, exhibit design and fabrication, one year of operating expenses, plus an endowment that will provide for the future sustainability of the project according to the Omaha Discovery Trust.
The building is set to open in early 2023, but will be breaking ground on construction as early as October of this year.
Partners involved in the project include Omaha Discovery Trust, Heritage Services, HDR, and the Exploratorium out of San Francisco. . Several Kiewit-affiliated partners also donated to the project, including the Kiewit Corporation, the Peter Kiewit Foundation, former Kiewit Chairman Walter Scott Jr.’s foundation and the Grewcock family. As lead donors, the building will include Kiewit in the name.
