Update: Sacramento's Powerhouse Science Center reaches key construction milestone

The reconstruction of a defunct PG&E power plant into a state-of-the art science museum and planetarium overlooking the Sacramento River is approaching a key milestone.

So far, crews have focused on stabilizing and renovating the stately power plant structure, which was designed by noted architect Willis Polk in 1906.

Work will now move into the next phase. By December, drivers on Interstate 5 will see two new buildings rising from the river’s edge just north of the Old Sacramento Waterfront: a bright red entry pavilion with a wall of windows offering views through to the river and a gray-domed planetarium.

The Powerhouse Science Center at 400 Jibboom St. is scheduled for completion in December 2020 with a grand opening in early 2021. The rehabilitated power plant will hold the exhibits, while the two newly-constructed buildings will contain the entry, the planetarium and classrooms.

A recent state grant of $2.3 million from Proposition 68, the parks bond, will fund construction of an all-season covered patio area.

The project is being run by Otto Construction, which is a family-owned business in Sacramento for three generations. The architect is Sacramento-based Dreyfuss + Blackford.

The new Powerhouse Science Center is being constructed inside an old PG&E power plant on the Sacramento River.

Below is a description of the exhibit spaces planned for the Powerhouse:

Nature Detectives:

Designed for younger children, who will use tools and learn processes, which will help them become citizen scientists.

 Water Quest:

We will explore the science and technology behind the systems that we use to coax water from the mountains and out through our taps to meet our many needs as individuals and communities. 

Picture of Health:

This exhibition explores human biology that makes our bodies tick; investigates the interplay between genetics and the environment over the course of our lives; and showcases new innovations which will help people lead longer, healthier lives.

Mission Earth:

This exhibition explores our changing climate and the new ways to transition into more sustainable, non-carbon energy based technologies that address environmental challenges.

Destination Space:

Space, the next frontier.  This exhibition will highlight technologies and strategies used in designing transport vehicles and investigate the challenges of storing and recycling food, water and air on long-term space travel missions and planetary bases.

Planetarium:

A signature experience! A 114 seat, full media dome planetarium with the most advanced digital projection system for not only stars shows but also a full library of films developed for dome projection.

Design Lab:

A hands-on, immersive space to engage in the design engineering process….many failures lead to success.

 Temporary Exhibition Gallery:

A flexible space to introduce new and exciting content during the year.

The PG&E plant when it was operating alongside the Sacramento River.