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Schenectady
Wednesday, December 11, 2024

MiSci to commence building survey following $10M state infrastructure funding approval

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SCHENECTADY — A groundbreaking ⁤building survey, the first of⁢ its ‌kind in the 50-year history of the Museum of Innovation and Science’s (miSci) Nott Terrace location, is set to commence shortly. The ‍state has committed to funding up to ​$10 million for site enhancements⁤ identified by the survey.

In March, state and county officials struck a ⁣deal with the science museum ​to keep it in‍ Schenectady. The county pledged to finance ‌a building survey to identify⁢ necessary infrastructure improvements at the museum,‌ which relocated to its present site in 1969.

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam, revealed in April that he had secured $10 million from the state’s 2025 capital budget to cover the museum ​repairs outlined in the forthcoming survey.

On Thursday, Schenectady County Legislature Chair​ Gary Hughes announced that the county was‌ nearing the completion of a contract with an undisclosed firm to carry out the miSci building survey. The final cost of the survey is yet to be determined, Hughes added.

In April, the county issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to conduct the survey.

“The survey will⁣ provide us with a detailed understanding of ⁤the capital needs of the building,” Hughes stated. “Thanks to Assemblyman Santabarbara, we have capital⁣ funds earmarked from the Assembly.”

miSci Executive Director Gina Gould mentioned that the initial walkthrough for the⁣ building survey took place on Wednesday.

“We anticipate preliminary results within a month,‍ but it could extend into late October or early⁢ November, depending on what they discover,”‌ Gould ​said.

Once the survey is completed, the museum plans‌ to reconvene with ⁢county and state officials to discuss‍ the next steps.

“By fall, we hope to have a clear understanding of our direction and swiftly address any building needs identified,” Hughes added.

Before ⁢the agreement with the county ​this spring, the museum considered relocating out of ‌the city and county. This was due⁢ to ⁤hydrostatic pressure in its basement following heavy rainfall last July, which threatened its collection of archives.

After a museum tour by Santabarbara and Hughes in March, the officials sent a letter to the‌ museum ‌advising miSci that relocation⁤ would cost the ⁤organization⁣ between $20-$40 million, a move they deemed financially imprudent.

Subsequent⁣ meetings arranged by Santabarbara between county and museum officials resulted in an agreement to keep the museum ⁣in Schenectady for‌ at least another five years. He then secured the state⁢ funding.

In April, the Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority granted ​the science museum a $99,000 grant to renovate the site’s Suits-Bueche Planetarium.⁢ The museum announced on Wednesday‌ that James Hood’s “Mesmerica” show will‍ be the inaugural production at the revamped planetarium, opening on Aug. 23.

The planetarium will be equipped with a new digital projection system, a state-of-the-art sound system, and‌ refurbished seating.

“We’re thrilled ⁤about the upcoming arrival of “Mesmerica” at miSci. It’s sure to boost attendance during the slower summer months and attract more visitors to‌ experience all that⁣ miSci has to offer,” ‌Hughes said.

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Kiara Thomas
Kiara Thomas
I uncover quirky and compelling stories. Always on the lookout for the 'why' behind the 'what'.
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