GREENSBORO, N.C. — The Greensboro Science Center (GSC) announced the result of its recent economic impact study and unveiled its 2020 - 2030 strategic vision during a press conference on Tuesday. Millions in investments and improvements are on the way for the Science Center.
Glenn Dobrogosz, CEO of the GSC, said the 2005 plan exceeded expectations with a total of 2 million guests since the aquarium opened. Changes are coming to the exteriors. The exhibits, especially the aquarium, will be getting a whole new look. The pendulum in the middle of the building will get a revamp as well.
The goal of the exterior redesign is to make it more appealing and attractive through new architecture and artful designs.
The center has eight projects in progress, $18 million in new investment and the 2009 bonds have been matched 100 percent with private support according to the city.
Augmented reality is also included as part of the plan.
According to GSC, SAGE used IMPLAN, an industry standard economic impact analysis program, to generate the estimates. The study showed the center supports $77 million in annual economic impact and upcoming investments will support $40 million between 2018 and 2020, 970 jobs on an annual basis and $45 million in improvements with their 2020-2030 strategic plan.
“We’re trying to imagine something bigger, better for Greensboro through science,” Dobrogosz said.
Highlights From Greensboro Science Center's Strategic Vision Announcement
Dobrogosz unveiled the GSC's vision for the next decade, entitled The Gateway Project: Opening Minds and Building Futures through Science and the Arts expected to bring new exhibits, experiences and events planned over the next 10 years.
"The Greensboro Science Center has grown from a wonderful local asset into a nationally recognized leader in innovative science interpretation," Dobrogosz says. "Our amazing partnership with the City of Greensboro, combined with game-changing relationships with impassioned donors, members, volunteers, and citizens in our community, have opened new doors of growth and potential.
As we grow, so does Greensboro's cultural identity, brand and new potential to be home to a top-five attraction in the state of North Carolina. With our first master plan soon to be complete, we are excited to finally answer the question we get almost every day - What's next?"
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