EXPLORIT Science Center

The Expansion
We are expanding Explorit's facilities to meet the growing need for hands-on science in the region. The cornerstone of this expansion is Explorit's purchase of 9,700 sq. ft. of space in an existing building along Second Street, adjoining the in-line skating rink operated by DISC. Explorit will continue to operate the current facility in Mace Ranch Community Park as a hub for Explorit's extensive outreach programs and for some public and school programming. In the long-term, Explorit plans to develop a suite of outdoor learning landscapes around and between the two sites.

The Campaign
We have already raised $1.2 million of the $2.4 million needed to purchase the additional building space at Second Street. This is a multi-year campaign meaning that Explorit will have short-term financing to allow the purchase during 2006 but the campaign will continue for up to three years to raise the funds needed for the purchase. Donors can pledge funds payable over three years.

The Timeline
Escrow and move-in: May - September 2006
Opening of the expansion building: Fall 2006
Projected completion of capital campaign for expansion: 2008/2009

QUESTIONS ABOUT PLANNING AND VISION

What is the long-term vision of Explorit Science Center?
The long-term vision of Explorit Science Center is to expand our service and impact within the greater Sacramento region as a provider of innovative and accessible hands-on science learning experiences for children, families, teachers and other members of the community. The long-range plan adopted by the Board of Trustees in fall 2000, directs us to focus on three primary goals:

Increase traveling outreach to K-6 students and their families with an emphasis on reaching underserved children and schools
Engage and retain a high-performing team of staff, trustees and volunteers committed to pursuing excellence in our mission
Expand on-site facilities for improved community access

These goals were established as a result of a year-long planning process that included extensive input from audience and community members. Within each of these goals we have established specific objectives to meet by 2007. We are well on the way of achieving the first two goals and we are now focusing on the third goal.
To meet our goal of expanded on-site facilities, we are purchasing the additional facility space on 2nd Street which has excellent visibility and access.

How are community members being involved in the planning and development of your building and programs?
This expansion project is being pursued by Explorit so that we can better serve children and families of the region. We are committed to making the new building address the interests and needs of our community.

We regularly seek input and involvement of community members in our planning through mechanisms such as surveys, evaluation forms, interviews, focus groups and informal interaction with staff and Trustees. In addition, members of the community serve as Trustees, Advisors, volunteers and members of various standing committees that work in coordination to accomplish Explorit's long range goals.

Specifically for this expansion project we have assembled a group of community volunteers we call the Creative Team. They are local scientists, tinkerers, engineers and people with other special skills who have an interest in our programs and mission. They are working closely with our Exhibit planning committee and staff to plan, design and prototype exhibits that will be featured in our Second Street facility.

How will the expansion enable Explorit Science Center to serve the community even more?
Current demand for Explorit's programs is overwhelming - families and teachers are clamoring for more than we can provide in our limited space. The additional space will significantly increase Explorit's capacity for community-focused programs. Key benefits to the local community include:

An increase in public hours. Exhibit space will more than triple, allowing for both long-term and changing exhibitions. This will reduce the need to close to the public for several weeks every year while exhibits are changed. The larger space will also accommodate two or more visiting school classes at once.
More space for weekend family programs. Special hands-on family programs will be offered nearly every weekend.
Two additional classrooms will increase Explorit's capacity to offer summer, vacation, and after-school classes. Summer class programs already operate on a lottery system due to their popularity among Davis area residents. These multi-purpose rooms will ease the enrollment crunch.
More volunteer opportunities. As Explorit's capacity grows, so will the opportunities for local citizens to contribute their time and energy working with the public and school groups and assisting staff behind the scenes.
An increase in outreach programs. Improved staff work areas will support even more visits to classrooms and communities throughout our region, bringing the resources of Explorit Science Center to diverse urban, rural, and underserved audiences.
Community rental space. More space will be made available for community groups and organizations to rent for meetings and special events.

How many people do you project serving as a result of the expansion?
Each year Explorit serves approximately 72,000 children and adults, including many elementary age- children and their teachers and families. Nearly 70% of the children and families served are reached through traveling outreach into the greater Sacramento region.

The expansion will significantly increase the number of people served by Explorit's programs. Once the expansion building is open, it's projected that Explorit will reach over 100,000 people every year through a combination of expanded on-site and traveling programs.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE ORIGINAL EXPANSION PLANS

Why did you decide to shift away from your original expansion plans?
In 2004 we embarked on a plan to expand Explorit's facilities through construction of a new building. However, due to a number of factors affecting the entire construction industry, the costs of new construction have skyrocketed. Quite fortuitously, a new and even more compelling expansion possibility - purchasing a completed building - presented itself before our building construction began. The completed facility at 2801 Second Street is well designed for public use and available for immediate move-in. The south section, at 9,700 sq. ft., offers 35% more space than we originally planned in our constructed building and is available at a purchase cost in line with our campaign goal of $2.5 million. These factors, in addition to its excellent location and outstanding visibility, framed a compelling case for the choice to buy rather than build.

Didn't you break ground already?
In October of 2005, Explorit hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking at the site next to the Pelz Overcrossing, but due to weather and permitting issues, no actual construction had begun.

What will happen to the site where you were going to expand?
The City of Davis owns the site. As far as we know, there are no new plans for its use. Explorit may, in the future, seek to develop there as well.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE NEW AND EXISTING SITES

Did you consider simply expanding the buildings in Mace Ranch Park instead?
Yes, we carefully examined that option as part of an expansion feasibility study completed in fall 2001. The study was conducted by Gyroscope, a museum planning specialist based in Oakland which has completed many small and large museum expansion projects throughout the country. They advised us that in order for Explorit to reach its full potential, our facility expansion must include a level of visibility that would not be possible by just expanding within the park. People already find it difficult to locate Explorit since our current site is tucked inside a park and hidden behind apartment buildings on Fifth Street.
Ultimately this led to decision to pursue space on Second Street to improve access and capture freeway visibility while still preserving the established and inviting Explorit site in Mace Ranch Community Park for some programs and operations.

What will happen to the existing Explorit buildings in Mace Ranch Park?
Explorit will continue to use the existing buildings in Mace Ranch Park for some school programming, as the center for staff operations and as the hub for our extensive outreach programs. Since the main public exhibit spaces will be moved to the Second Street site, the Mace Ranch house may undergo minor remodeling to create additional multi-purpose spaces suitable to group and class use. This Mace Ranch Park site will continue to be an excellent staging area for outdoor programming, such as our popular Safari programs for school groups. We may also offer expanded availability for community rentals.

How will people get between the two sites?
Generally, most visitors will arrive at Explorit's new main public site at Second Street. However for some pre-scheduled programs, visitors or groups may be directed in advance to the Mace Ranch Park site. The two sites are located within a two-minute drive and signage and maps will be available to direct visitors between the sites during special events or at other times when both sites may be in use.

A paved bike lane is available along Peña Driveand Fifth Street between the sites. As the new expansion is established, Explorit may also investigate the feasibility of bike or electric shuttles that could be used by visitors.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE EXPANSION BUILDING AT SECOND STREET

What features of the building at Second Street make it suitable for Explorit's use?
The building, designed by Davis-based architect Bob Lindley, was completed in 2000. It is located on an approximately 3-acre site at the corner of Second Street and Peña Drive in east Davis. The location is easily accessible and offers excellent freeway visibility.

The two-story front section that Explorit is purchasing was designed for family friendly public recreation use, originally serving as an admission area, pro shop, snack bar and viewing gallery for the adjacent rink. Fixtures and finishes were selected with durability in mind and the building is fully ADA compliant, featuring an elevator and spacious restrooms on both floors. The floor plan includes a combination of open gallery-type spaces along with enclosed multi-purpose rooms that will be ideal for Explorit's exhibits and programs. Only minimal retrofitting or renovation will be needed to make it move-in ready.

In addition, the exterior includes a large covered entry patio and open semi-circular front courtyard that will be ideal for Explorit's indoor-outdoor festivals and events.

Who will own the Explorit expansion building?
The entire building at 2801 Second Street is being subdivided through a commercial condo arrangement. Explorit will own its 9,700 sq. ft. front section of the building and a separate partnership will own and operate the rear rink portion of the building. The surrounding grounds and parking lot will be owned in common. This arrangement is frequently used in shopping malls and office buildings with multiple adjacent owners.

Will there be any issues in being next to an active skating rink?
We believe that the location next to an active skating rink will offer wonderful opportunity for program synergy and cross-marketing. The rink draws skating enthusiasts from throughout the greater region with primarily a family audience of ages ranging from 6 to adult. We believe many of these rink visitors may choose to visit Explorit before or after their skating experience and that we can work with the skating rink operators to design special combination admission packages.

Both Explorit and the rink operators schedule special events well in advance so we can coordinate calendars to avoid peak usage at the same days and times. Parking is ample for both uses during regular operations; for special events, overflow parking is readily available in nearby lots.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PROGRAMS AND EXHIBITS IN THE EXPLORIT EXPANSION

What will be included in the new building?
Visitors will enter the new building through double doors into the inviting admissions/lobby area. From the lobby hub, visitor traffic will flow naturally into the heart of the building: the galleries for changing and long-term hands-on science exhibits. A nearby multi-purpose room will provide space for group classes and programs. The building will also include a retail shop of science-related items, restrooms, plus storage and work areas for exhibit staff and volunteers. Public spaces are planned with flexibility in mind to allow for varied uses throughout the day, from season to season and to accommodate long-term program growth and changes.

Will visitors be charged admission?
We currently charge visitors $3 for public admission (children under 4 free). It is part of our plan that we will charge admission for the new site. Still, we will continue to keep admission at an affordable level that is consistent with fees of other museums of similar size. We are committed to making our exhibits and programs accessible to wide range of people throughout the community and will continue to offer regular free admission days as well as scholarships for group programs.

Are you going to expand public hours?
We have not yet adopted the official hours of the new facility but it is likely that we will expand hours to serve the community. For example with the larger facility, we may be able to offer public admission throughout the day on weekdays rather than just late afternoon. We also receive periodic requests for evening hours and will consider that in setting the hours for our new building.

Will there be any acoustics issues with the new building?
With large groups of visiting children or families all excitedly exploring science, it can get quite loud inside Explorit! The building is already well designed to minimize potential noise issues with features such as doorways to close off the stairwell and multi-purpose rooms from the main galleries. If needed, the Explorit team is prepared to bring in specialized consultants to address specific issues relating to acoustics, lighting, energy use and other special design areas if we find that is needed after the initial move-in.

Is there a technology plan for Explorit Science Center?
Explorit will be working to develop a technology plan for the expanded Explorit campus. To date we have deliberately developed our programs with a "low-tech" emphasis to communicate the message that science is everywhere and that the tools of science can be right at your fingertips. However, we recognize the blossoming importance of technology as an integral tool of daily life; the expanding campus offers the opportunity to showcase and integrate appropriate technology to enhance the discovery experience of visitors.

QUESTIONS ABOUT BUILDING DESIGN AND FEATURES

Will Explorit need to modify the new building's interior?
Since the building was originally designed for public, family use, very few modifications will be needed to make the spaces suitable for Explorit's needs. The primary change will be that Explorit does not plan to conduct full-service food operations so the large kitchen equipment will be removed to make the kitchen space available for other uses.

Any modifications we make to the building will be in line with our original expansion goals:

Reflect the spirit and style of Explorit's programs: exploratory, friendly, relevant, playful and hands-on.
Create flexible spaces suitable for immediate program uses (public exhibit galleries, multi-purpose space, restrooms, reception, store) yet versatile enough to accommodate alternative uses as future needs might change.
Promote a strong connection between indoor and outdoor learning experiences.
Establish positive, memorable identity for Explorit Science Center.
Incorporate cost-effective "green design" strategies and materials, either as educational demonstrations or as integrated accessible components of the building
Minimize long-term operating costs, including maintenance and utilities.

QUESTIONS ABOUT EXPANSION COSTS, FINANCING AND FUNDRAISING

How much will the expansion building cost?
The total project cost for purchase, closing costs, financing, retrofits, some exhibit planning, and fundraising will be $2.9 million. Explorit has already raised $1.2 million and will be continuing its capital campaign to raise at least an additional $1.2 million. At the end or our formal campaign, we plan to refinance any remaining loan balance to carry out of our operations budget.

What will the increase in operating costs be as a result of these new facilities?
Based on our planning and analysis to date, we project that the new building will increase the operating budget of Explorit by $150,000 to a total of $800,000 annually. The increase will be primarily from additional staffing needed to operate the expanded programs in the new facility and the actual utilities and operations of the building.

How will the increased operating costs be covered?
Explorit is an independent non-profit organization. Our current income is derived from a variety of sources: program enrollment fees (34%), foundation and business contributions (32%), memberships and individual donations (12%), fundraising events (12%), government grants (6%), other (4%). Based on our projections, the additional operating costs will be covered by a combination of the following: increased membership, admission, and program enrollment income; increased annual individual and corporate sponsorships; endowment interest; retail sales in the larger store; plus a small amount of income from facility rental. As part of the overall strategy and goal of the capital campaign, we will be broadening our fundraising approaches, building fundraising expertise among staff and Trustees and expanding our on-going base of supporters.

Is now a good time to be in a campaign?
There is never an ideal time to launch a campaign. That being said, the time to expand Explorit is now. The demand for our programs continues to outpace our ability to meet it. Even with the addition of two new vans and the use of rental space at Birch Lane for our summer classes, we still turn away children, families and teachers because program capacity is full. Moreover, the state budget crunch is hurting schools and science curriculum options making the current economic climate precisely the reason to expand our offering of science education programs.

Historically speaking, Americans have always be willing to get behind worthy causes, regardless of any peaks or valleys in the economic cycle.

What leads Explorit to believe that it has the capacity to achieve this goal?
The Explorit Science Center has a compelling case for the need to expand physical facilities to continue to meet its mission and vision and has assembled a team committed to seeing this project through. Explorit has already secured several leadership level gifts, including the $250,000 Jonsson Foundation Challenge gift, making our goal to raise $2.4 million by the end of the campaign realistic.

Didn't Explorit try a campaign for a new building many years ago? What happened to that campaign?
Yes, Explorit launched a $1 million campaign in 1990 to build a building at the southeast corner of Central Park. The Science Center co-signed a 50-year lease with the City for a 5,000 square foot footprint and the selected architect, Dean Unger, designed a fine two-story building for the site. Fund raising and plans were going smoothly until 1991 when the Board accepted a gift of 3 acres of land on Fifth Street in Mace Ranch. This caused a change in plans, which escalated the campaign goal to about $4 million. Although everyone tried very hard, it became clear that this new goal was too high for the organization at that point in time. The decision to renovate and remodel the Mace Ranch House instead was a good alternative, which has allowed the Center and its programs to mature. Explorit has now grown significantly, developed a a much broader base of experience in marketing and fundraising and is now well on its way toward a campaign goal that it can certainly achieve.

Who is serving in a leadership capacity for this campaign?
Members of Explorit's Trustees, working closely with the staff's Executive Director and Director of Donor Relations, form the core of the campaign team. Other community members are also serving as advisors and lending assistance in specific areas of the campaign. Early on, the Board engaged the services of local campaign consultant Virginia Kelsch of Kelsch Consulting who provided expert counsel on overall campaign strategy, communication materials and training to campaign team members.

What has the Board Of Trustees contributed toward the campaign?
The Board of Trustees, and Family Foundations affiliated with current Trustees, have given generously to the campaign and collectively pledged and contributed $384,000 to date. One hundred percent of Trustees have made a personal pledge or gift.

Will I be asked to give to the annual fund if I make a campaign gift?
Capital gifts are above and beyond a donor's membership commitment. Explorit Science Center depends on annual gifts to fulfill its mission on a daily basis. These funds are part of each organization's annual operating budget. Without this support, the Explorit Science Center would not be able to offer the breadth and depth of its current programs.

Donors are asked to sustain, and if possible increase their support to their membership dues during the campaign. Donors who do not believe that they can make a commitment to membership and the capital campaign should be encouraged to sustain their annual support.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS