The goal is to transform the existing museum into an innovative, ultra-sustainable and highly immersive experience that will break down the walls between science and the community, invite a diverse audience to discover the wonders of science and nature, provide exciting science education for students of all ages and facilitate the important work of their curators.

The project includes the phased construction of 150,000 GSF of new space; renovation of 95,000 GSF of existing space; demolition of 51,000 GSF of existing space; construction of a 300-car parking garage and relocation and expansion of Perkins Wildlife, with a heavy emphasis on the impact to an existing building structure. The project included a complete renovation of the existing 14,000 GSF kitchen and dining hall. The project includes replacing the existing central utility plant with a new one that includes a 1,500-ton chilled water plant; 15,000 MBH heating plant, a new 11.3 kV electrical service, and 2.0 MW of standby power.