The Bismarck Tribune is reporting on efforts being made by the Gateway to Science Center to move into a proposed $30 million facility. The proposal is dependent on acquiring land and fundraising for the project.
The 8-acre track of land for the planned High Prairie Arts and Science Complex is located just west of the Community Bowl, on the campus of Bismarck State College. The land is currently owned by the city; however, Bismarck State College has requested that the city donate the land to the college who would, in turn, lease it to Gateway to Science.
If the proposal moves forward, land is expected to be broken next spring and is projected to take two years to complete. Once finished, the new complex will boast more than 50,000 square feet – up from the current 3,200 square feet.
Fundraising efforts are set to begin this spring, and Gateway to Science is also likely to receive a $5 million grant from the Department of Public Instruction for the project.
The new complex will feature expanded exhibit space and be able to accommodate larger groups, which is currently confined to less than 50 people at a time.
Gateway to Science is an interactive experience promoting science and technology, particularly to youth. The nonprofit agency started in a tiny space at Gateway Mall in 1994. It moved to its current location, located on the northeastern side of Bismarck State College, in 2005. It has grown from its initial 7,500 annual visitors to hosting more than 18,000 annual visitors today.
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