DSC Pavilion To Break Ground in January

SANTA ANA, CA-Construction is slated to begin January 10, 2014, on a new, two-level, 43,340-square-foot pavilion at the Discovery Science Center here. Driver SPG, C.W. Driver's new Anaheim-based construction affiliate that focuses on renovation, modernization and smaller new construction projects, has been chosen to lead the expansion project, which will provide space for new interactive exhibits and programs.

Among the new projects the expansion is expected to facilitate are a new education wing with galleries and exhibit areas and a Natural Resources Pavilion with various labs and unique exhibits. Driver SPG's scope of work also includes the addition of a 10,000-square-foot showcase theater with 500 retractable seats in the new pavilion and the renovation of 4,000 square feet in the Grand Hall of Science. The project is slated for completion in December 2014.

The DSC, an innovative, hands-on institution, was founded in 1998 with a mission to inspire students to pursue careers in science. The museum, which houses 120 educational exhibits, currently receives more than 500,000 guests each year. This guest capacity will double to 1 million upon completion of the new pavilion.

The project presents some unique challenges. It is located on a tight, urban site that leaves little room for construction staging and materials storage. As a result, the Driver team will schedule the project precisely and bring in equipment and materials when needed, in order to avoid crowding the construction area. Just-in-time deliveries and lean construction techniques will be incorporated to manage all aspects of the project efficiently.

According to Karl Kreutziger, president of Driver SPG, “The key to this project is effective coordination and timing of the entire process. Because of the limited staging areas, and since the Discovery Science Center will be fully operational during construction, we are taking the necessary measures to ensure the fun, educational experience of patrons is uninterrupted.”

As GlobeSt.com reported earlier this week, the development sector is showing cautious optimism moving into 2014, and capital spigots are beginning to open across the board, Dennis Stejskal, VP of product management of Sage Construction and Real Estate, tells GlobeSt.com. After the dearth of development post-recession, demand for construction appears to be ramping up, he adds.