The Pacific Science Center is selling real estate to help finance the development and attract a star focused on innovation
The Pacific Science Center, a non-profit educational organization focused on innovation and discovery, has confirmed that it is selling the edge of its campus to help keep jobs intact and begin financing the development of a new star attraction.
Almost a year ago, GeekWire first reported that the iconic institution faced an uncertain future and was considering a sale of the property. PacSci leaders said this week that Space Needle LLC will buy the northeast corner of the site, which comprises less than 25% of the center and includes one of its two IMAX theaters. The Seattle Times broke news of the sale on Tuesday.
PacSci and the Space Needle do not share pricing details until the transaction closes. The sale includes a pavilion and an exhibition gallery.
The science center is taking over facilities built for the 1962 World’s Fair and has struggled to cope with long-delayed infrastructure repairs estimated at $70 million. The sale will provide capital for development including expanding its popular Maker & Innovation Lab (MIL) into a central feature of the site.
“It will be enough to provide a financial channel to operate and support more targeted investments, but not enough to do everything,” said Will Daugherty, CEO of PacSci, via email. “We still need to raise money for MIL and we will need a charity campaign in the future.”
Plans are to expand the existing makerspace, which currently occupies less than half of the building’s first floor, and to add new lab features that will create a 14,000-square-foot exhibit spanning three floors.
The Maker & Innovation Lab currently has desktop and large format 3D printers, a Glowforge laser cutter, vinyl cutters and various types of sewing machines. The upgraded facility will add woodworking equipment, a state-of-the-art laser cutter, electronics assembly stations, digital design tools, and coding and robotics technology.
PacSci leaders and supporters position the lab as a way to develop skills that open doors to STEM fields and fulfill the human need to create and improve the world.
This project is expected to cost approximately $20 million. Washington State provided $1.4 million in cash; King County chipped in at $1 million; the Allen Family Foundation provided $1 million for lab and yard renovations, and individual donors have made commitments of more than $100,000.
PacSci has already begun making other improvements, including the opening of new exhibits and ongoing work to remove the gates and fences that have closed off the campus throughout the Seattle Center. The work should be completed in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the Seattle Center is the official gathering place for fans to watch live broadcasts of games played at the venue.
Ron Sevart, CEO of the Space Needle, did not share details about what will happen in the space being acquired.
“While continuing to operate the Boeing IMAX theater is our immediate focus, we cannot wait to explore other partnership opportunities that support the future of the Pacific Science Center and the Seattle Center,” he said in a statement.
