N.C. Museum of Natural Sciences Makes Pitch for Interlocal Funds

August 31, 2004
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jon Pishney or Maria Sadowski at (919) 733-7450, ext. 304 or 305.

RALEIGH - Partners in the proposed Green Square project presented their case for interlocal funds to the combined governing boards of the City of Raleigh and Wake County on Monday morning. North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences director Dr. Betsy Bennett revealed the latest developments and architectural drawings of Green Square and the Nature Research Center, an innovative scientific research and education facility designed to bring current natural science topics into the public eye.

The Green Square project is a collaborative effort between the Museum, the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the State Employees' Credit Union that calls for renovation of the entire city block just west of the Museum, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly construction methods. The project would include an expanded six-story Credit Union financial services center, central office space for approximately 600 current DENR employees, retail and restaurant space, and much-needed downtown parking. Construction cost for the entire project is estimated at $92 million. Bennett and her collaborators asked for $10 million for the construction of the Nature Research Center. Also presenting were Smedes York, President of York Properties and Chair of the Museum's strategic planning committee, Credit Union President Jim Blaine, and DENR Secretary Bill Ross.

The Museum's Nature Research Center is an integral piece of the Green Square project. Upon first approach to the Center, visitors will be greeted by changing images of the natural world. On a day like Monday morning, visitors might see the latest image of an approaching hurricane. Once inside, additional meteorological details would appear on a large-screen display, broadcast to the Center in real time. On any day, live presentations from scientists on-site would cover such issues as global climate change, health-related genomics research, or the influx of invasive lionfish in waters off the North Carolina coast. "We would be able to provide details on a range of important scientific issues as they were happening. We could be the CNN of science reporting," Bennett said.

"We're convinced the Nature Research Center, as a part of the Green Square project, will have a major positive impact on downtown Raleigh and Wake County," Bennett added. "The Center will not only draw additional visitors to the area, but also address the intellectual curiosity of a science-hungry public, as well as the need to help educate students and teachers for 21st century jobs in science and technology fields."

The Museum has been a top tourist draw since its expansion in April 2000. In the past year alone, the Museum welcomed more than 913,000 people, making it the most visited museum in the state. The Nature Research Center will expand on the Museum's offerings by focusing on cutting-edge research in environmental and natural sciences. The Center will be a national model, housing everything from high-tech research laboratories to presentation areas where visitors can interact with scientists and educators for a unique learning experience.

The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun., noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the web at www.naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.

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