After years of searching for a home, the Aspen Science Center has landed new digs downtown, albeit temporarily. Aspen Public Radio’s Carolyn Sackariason has the details.
The nonprofit will be moving into the Crystal Palace building and will operate from there for the winter, thanks to prominent landlord Mark Hunt. He owns the empty space on Hyman Avenue and has agreed to partner with the science center.
Earlier this year, the organization submitted a proposal to take over the old power plant off of Mill Street, which is owned by the city.
The science center lost out, after a competitive process with other nonprofit and for-profit entities. In a somewhat contentious final review, Aspen City Council chose a brewery and TV station over the science center. Elected officials had concerns the nonprofit would not financially sustain itself.
Plans are underway to produce a variety of interactive displays in the new space.
Carolyn Sackariason, aspen public radio news.