Space Foundation Press Releases


Space Foundation to Expand Discovery Center Education Complex with Support from El Pomar and Grapevine Investments

Written by: Space Foundation Editorial Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct 17, 2018) – The Space Foundation has closed on space to nearly triple the size of its Discovery Center education complex in Colorado Springs. The additional 85,319 square feet at 4435 Arrowswest Drive adjoins its current building at 4425 Arrowswest Drive and will expand the total space from 45,716 square feet to 131,035 total square feet.

“This acquisition does more than increase our physical space. It allows us to expand and bring even more opportunity to the community and in particular our STEM education mission that every day, makes a difference in building a spacefaring future and developing the next generation workforce,” said Space Foundation CEO Thomas Zelibor. “The expansion of our Discovery Center means more students, teachers, parents and space community partners can take part in that mission and the adventures that come with it.”

The purchase was funded through an agreement with the El Pomar Foundation. Additionally, the selling price was significantly reduced through a $1.9 million donation from Grapevine Investments, LLP.

“None of this would have been possible without the help and generosity of our community partners, El Pomar Foundation and Grapevine Investments,” said Zelibor. “Their investment in us goes far beyond the physical structure of the Space Foundation. It’s making sure we can do more, to serve more and make an even bigger world of difference to those who see space as an adventure and opportunity for all. We are humbled and grateful for their incredible support.”

Grapevine Investments’ Scott Bryan stated, “When I was chair of EDC, my main goal was retaining the Space Foundation in Colorado Springs and the Space Symposium at The Broadmoor. This led to the purchase of the Discovery Center and the subsequent building next door. We are thrilled to be able to assist the Space Foundation in realizing their vision of expanding the Discovery Center. The Space Foundation is a vital economic and educational crown jewel of our community.”   

The Space Foundation moved into its current location in 2011, and over the past years has expanded the Discovery Center to include El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere® and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. There are more than 40,000 visitors to the Discovery Center each year, including field trip students, teachers and the general public.

Learn more about the Discovery Center at www.discoverspace.org.

About the Space Foundation
Founded in 1983, the Space Foundation is a 501(c)(3) and the world’s premier organization to inspire, educate, connect, and advocate on behalf of the global space community. It is a nonprofit leader in space awareness activities, educational programs, and major industry events, including the annual Space Symposium. Space Foundation headquarters is in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA, and has a public Discovery Center, including El Pomar Space Gallery, Northrop Grumman Science Center featuring Science On a Sphere® and the Lockheed Martin Space Education Center. The Space Foundation has a Washington, D.C., office and field representatives in Houston and the Florida Space Coast. It publishes The Space Report: The Authoritative Guide to Global Space Activity, and through its Space CertificationTM and Space Technology Hall of Fame® programs, recognizes space-based innovations that have been adapted to improve life on Earth. Visit both of our websites – www.SpaceFoundation.org and DiscoverSpace.org – and follow us on FacebookTwitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

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Space Foundation Media Contacts:

Rich Cooper, Space Foundation Vice President – Strategic Communications & Outreach
[email protected]
Cell: 202 596-0714

 

Carol Hively, Director Public Relations & Team Communications

[email protected]


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