Title
NEW ITEM: Discovery Place Nature Museum
Action
ACTION:
Receive a status update on the Discovery Place Nature Museum lease agreement negotiations.
Staff Contact: Mike Bryant, County Manager
Presentation: Yes
BACKGROUND/JUSTIFICATION:
On April 16, 2019 the Board authorized the former County Manager to negotiate and execute a Development Agreement between the County and Discovery Place, Inc. ("DPI"). The County allocated $16,000,000 for a joint development with Discovery Place for replacement of the former nature museum at 1658 Sterling Road on the Freedom Park site. In December 2023, the County allocated an additional $10,000,000 for construction of the new facility. Per the original Development Agreement, Discovery Place was responsible for the procurement and installation of exhibits and any and all costs for the project beyond the County's maximum contribution ($26,000,000). In November 2023, the Board authorized the former County Manager to negotiate and execute a lease with Discovery Place for the new Nature Museum. In December 2023, the County executed a Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract with Rodgers Builders, the Construction Manager at Risk selected for the project. The new building and site construction was substantially completed April 30, 2026.
Prior to occupancy of the new facility, the County and Discovery Place need to finalize a lease agreement for operations of the facility and site (Phase I construction). Both parties also need to execute a Special Provisions Agreement and Temporary Construction Easement for a planned canopy walk and trails (Phase II construction) that will be connected to the new nature museum. Discovery Place will be responsible for all costs related to the design and construction of Phase II. Staff will provide an update on the process
At the October 6, 2026, the Board provided feedback on options presented and authorize the County Manager to negotiate a revised agreement consistent with the guid...
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