$10M Contribution Boosts Funding for Science Center at Kincora

BY ckelly • December 10, 2019

$10M Contribution Boosts Funding for Science Center at Kincora

The new regional science center planned by the Children’s Science Museum and the Science Museum of Virginia at Kincora received a major boost this month by way of a $10 million gift from the Northwest Federal Credit Union.

“I can think of nothing more transformational than an investment in education and families,” said Jeff Bentley, president and CEO of Northwest Federal Credit Union.

Adalene “Nene” Spivy, executive director of the Children’s Science Center added, “The vision for a world-class, interactive science center in Northern Virginia has taken a major step forward.”

Northwest’s contribution, the largest private donation to the science center’s construction fund, combined with other funds committed to the project from the state, county and other entities, will fully fund the base-building project cost for the science center, which will be constructed on land donated by Kincora.

“We are thrilled to see so much interest and excitement about the science center,” said Dan Coughlan, of TRITEC Real Estate, which partnered with Norton Scott LLC to develop Kincora. “We look forward to the groundbreaking and believe the science center will prove to be a popular regional destination. CSC anticipates the new facility will draw 350,000 trips annually.”

The future regional science center in Northern Virginia aims to inspire STEM learning to fuel the next generation workforce; showcase the community and the identity of Northern Virginia as a technology hub; and provide high-quality interactive, hands-on experiences for families, school children, and learners of all ages to explore and create.

The science center along with the National Museum of Intelligence and Special Operations location at Kincora will contribute to a cultural corridor along Route 28 that also includes the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center/National Air and Space Museum.

“This region is home to some of the world’s best museums, but no science center,” said Richard C. Conti, chief of wonder for the Science Museum of Virginia. “Science centers are the places that spark ideas that lead to innovations that might one day be on display in museums.”

Loudoun County Chairwoman Phyllis Randall said the science center leaves a legacy for every child who passes through, adding that it will be an economic driver for the region. Delegate David Reed asked that community members encourage county leaders to remain vocal in their support for the CSC.

Throughout 2020, the science center will complete the design, branding, naming, and financing, with a goal of initial construction in early 2021. The design’s goal is to attain LEED Silver certification at a minimum.