Entrance to Arizona Science Center Gets a Facelift

New entrance will allow improved access for ADA, school groups and general public

PHOENIX – After three years of planning and thanks to a voter-approved, 2006 City of Phoenix bond award for much needed facility and safety improvements, Arizona Science Center is excited to announce the start of construction on a new entrance and lobby, beginning today.

Soon the Science Center will offer a larger, air-conditioned environment for queuing, improved accessibility for patrons who have a disability and school groups, as well as making it easier to enter the building and begin your scientific explorations.

The demolition phase of construction will last three months and the entire project is expected be completed by the end of the 2010 calendar year.

During the first phase of construction, Arizona Science Center will be utilizing temporary entrances and exits for both general public and school group access which will be highlighted by signage throughout and surrounding the Center. Guests are encouraged to continue parking in the Heritage & Science Park garage located on the corner of Monroe & 5th Streets.

Working in tandem with the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, Arizona Science Center selected Brycon Construction as the general contractor and Architekton as the architect for this project. Other project key players include; Kendle Design Collaborative, David Evans and Associates, Inc., Robert Morris Design Studio, Paragon Structural Engineering and Hederson Engineers.

“Arizona Science Center is deeply grateful to the people of Phoenix for the opportunity to make these important changes to our entrance and lobby. As one of the top cultural destinations in Arizona, these lobby improvements will allow us to better serve the more than 400,000 annual guests that visit the Science Center,” says Chevy Humphrey, president and CEO of Arizona Science Center, “We would like to thank our visitors for their patience and understanding during these coming months of construction.”

Scott Dluzen, preconstruction manager at Brycon Construction says that “Brycon Construction is very excited to be a part of the team making important accessibility improvements to the Science Center which will enhance the science learning and exploration experience. We look forward to working very closely with Arizona Science Center, the City of Phoenix, Architekton, and the surrounding community to provide a successful project with minimal disruptions.”

Published on behalf of Arizona Science Center
The mission of Arizona Science is to inspire, educate and entertain people of all ages about science. Featuring more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a multi-media Dorrance Planetarium and IMAX® Theatre and programming to fit all ages, zero to gray, Arizona Science Center provides educational entertainment year-round. Located in historic Heritage Square at 600 E. Washington Street, downtown Phoenix. Visit www.azscience.org or call 602-716-2000 for more information.

About Brycon
BRYCON is one of the Southwest’s largest industrial contractors and have performed thousands of successful projects for a multitude of clients in industries such as advanced technology, manufacturing, industrial, cleanroom, healthcare and office build-out, many on a repeat or ongoing basis. Brycon business has grown by employing only the best people and providing the best service. Our team understands our clients’ needs and is capable of delivering at the highest level.

About Architekton
Architekton is constantly exploring opportunities and potential for integrated collaborative design based on new technologies and organizational systems. We continue to refine our design process to better take advantage of the diverse experience and background of everyone involved in our projects. Concurrently, we are striving to discover and reinforce the passion of each of the people we work with – whether it is a search for meaning in design, the desire to serve our community, sharing knowledge and mentoring, or understanding the power of new software applications.

About the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture
The Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture was established in 1985 by the Phoenix City Council to advance the growth and development of the city’s arts and cultural community. The Office of Arts and Culture manages the city’s public art program, administers a grants program, supports arts education, conducts research, provides information and assistance to artists and cultural organizations, and oversees the city’s cultural planning efforts.

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