Science Center Plans Expansion

Doubling Its Size Will Cost $90 Million

PITTSBURGH, Updated 12:07 p.m. EDT October 25, 2000 -- A science center in the shadow of the new Pittsburgh Steelers stadium is planning to nearly double its size.

The Carnegie Science Center in Pittsburgh is planning a $90 million expansion and is asking five architectural firms to compete for the job.

Ellsworth Brown, president of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh, said that architects have been excited about the chance to re-create the science center.

The current $40 million center opened in 1991 and covers 200,000 square feet. The expansion will add another 160,000 square feet.

Allegheny County Judge Frank Lucchino, who leads the center's board of directors, said that the addition will attract more visitors.

The center hopes to raise the $90 million with private and public funds. The state has earmarked $45 million for the project, but Gov. Tom Ridge has yet to release the funds.

Construction is expected to begin in 2002.

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