Healthy growth is apparent with the additional space, nearly triple the size, of the Space Foundation's Discovery Center education complex.
The Space Foundation has closed on space to nearly triple the size of its Discovery Center education complex in Colorado Springs. The additional 85,319 square feet at 4435 Arrowswest Drive adjoins its current building at 4425 Arrowswest Drive and will expand the total space from 45,716 square feet to 131,035 total square feet.
Thomas E. Zelibor,
Chief Executive Officer
Space Foundation CEO Thomas Zelibor. said that this acquisition does more than increase their physical space. It allows them to expand and bring even more opportunity to the community and in particular their STEM education mission that every day, makes a difference in building a spacefaring future and developing the next generation workforce. The expansion of their Discovery Center means more students, teachers, parents and space community partners can take part in that mission and the adventures that come with it.
The purchase was funded through an agreement with the El Pomar Foundation. Additionally, the selling price was significantly reduced through a $1.9 million donation from Grapevine Investments, LLP.
Zelibor added that none of this would have been possible without the help and generosity of their community partners, El Pomar Foundation and Grapevine Investments. Their investment in Space Foundation goes far beyond the physical structure of the Space Foundation. It's making sure they can do more, to serve more and make an even bigger world of difference to those who see space as an adventure and opportunity for all. We are humbled and grateful for their incredible support."
Grapevine Investments' Scott Bryan stated that when he was chair of EDC, his main goal was retaining the Space Foundation in Colorado Springs and the Space Symposium at The Broadmoor. This led to the purchase of the Discovery Center and the subsequent building next door. We are thrilled to be able to assist the Space Foundation in realizing their vision of expanding the Discovery Center. The Space Foundation is a vital economic and educational crown jewel of our community.
The Space Foundation moved into its current location in 2011, and over the past years has expanded the Discovery Center to include El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere® and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. There are more than 40,000 visitors to the Discovery Center each year, including field trip students, teachers and the general public.
