Discovery Science Center Breaks Ground on $22.5 Million Expansion with “Explosive” Ceremony !

SANTA ANA, Calif. – January 29, 2014 – Today, Taco Bell Discovery Science Center (DSC) began construction on a $22.5 million expansion, which will double the size of the Santa Ana facility and increase the number of educational programs offered to local students and teachers. Construction on the project began with a pyrotechnic filled, “explosive” groundbreaking ceremony and featured remarks from Orange County Supervisor, Janet Nguyen; Santa Ana Mayor, Miguel Pulido; and Discovery Science Center leadership. The new expansion is expected to open in Spring of 2015.  

The project will feature 44,000 square feet of new building and renovated space, which was designed by John Sergio Fischer & Associates. The new building will allow for more interactive exhibits and educational programming that align with DSC’s core initiatives of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) proficiency, environmental stewardship, early learning, and healthy living.  

Generous financial support from community leaders and a construction loan backed by Farmers & Merchants Bank, plus the hard work of the Capital Campaign co-chairs and cabinet members has made the expansion possible. “This is a transformational project for our community,” said Co-Chair David Horowitz of the Horowitz Group.  “It will enable DSC to become one of the premier science centers in the nation.”  

DSC is currently the most attended science center per square-foot in the nation. With the expansion, the Science Center is expected to double their annual attendance to one million visitors per year and will feature permanent exhibits and enhanced resources for teachers and students. “This is our first expansion in 16 years and a pivotal time in DSC history,” said Walkie Ray, DSC Board and Cabinet member. “There is a great need for science education in our community and we are positioned to fill the gap.” 

The new expansion will increase the impact on families, students and teachers by offering more educational outreach programs in addition to a variety of exciting learning areas. Planned exhibits and pavilions include: Welcome Center and Launch Pad Science Store, Education Wing, California Natural Resources Pavilion, Mission Control, Healthy Kitchen, ABC Early Learning Zone, and Showcase Theater. 

“This is a great opportunity to take DSC from good, to being the best science center in the country,” said Joe Adams, president of Discovery Science Center. “We encourage all Orange County residents to join us in our mission of creating a ‘world’s-best resource’ right here in our own community.” 

As a national leader in science education and recent award winner of the National Medal of Service, DSC is working to continuously inspire and educate the region’s future innovators and developing workforce. Capital Campaign Co-chair Jim Peterson, of Microsemi said, “This expansion is for the children of Orange County – it’s for their future – and it will have a lasting impact for generations to come.”