Possible aquarium and aviary coming to NEPA (Scranton, Wilkes-Barre: fit in, theater)

[cjseliga]

There was an article in the paper today about the possibility of a science center being built somewhere in NEPA that could have an IMAX theater, aquarium and aviary.

“Science centers are also part of the quality of life in a community,” said Robert “Mac” West, Ph.D., the principal of Informal Learning Experiences Inc., a Washington-based consulting firm the group has hired to conduct the study.

The Times-Tribune - Group pushes plans for science center

[ff18wife]

Oh wow...that would be a great addition to the area!!!

[WasPA]

A ideal location for such an 'animal' would be the Irem Temple in Wilkes-Barre on North Franklin Street; it has already been proposed as the nucleus for a proposed "Museum of the Susquehanna" complete with an IMAX; maybe this could bring the project to fruition.....and help make it a major museum increasing its viability and level of interest.

The building has a huge auditorium, a ball room, parking and room for expansion; it is also located very near the Susquehanna Portal that willl serve as performance venue when completed.....

[tsedeski]

Isn't the Item Temple a historical building? Not likely. I am pretty sure an aquarium building will have to be built new rather than fit into an existing structure. Too many mechanical systems.

[SteelCityRising]

I park at the Irem Temple building, and the plans for that building have shifted towards renovating it into an artists' colony with galleries and workshops (and perhaps a small cafe). Not a day goes by where I don't walk past the Franklin Street facade of this ornate building and just start longingly at it; the transformation into some sort of bohemian haven will be a much-welcomed addition to downtown.

I think either Downtown Scranton or Downtown Wilkes-Barre would be perfect candidates for this sort of science center/IMAX project. It's nice to see our area on the upswing like this.

[WasPA]

Originally Posted by tsedeski

Isn't the Item Temple a historical building? Not likely. I am pretty sure an aquarium building will have to be built new rather than fit into an existing structure. Too many mechanical systems.

As I said, there is room for expansion at the site....

Wilkes-Barre city owns the former First National Bank building on Public Sq. It's that old greek temple next to the Luzerne National Bank Building (formerly Northeastern National). It would be good to see some kind of arts/museum/performance usage of this vacant structure...and soon....but there isn't any room for expansion, except upward which would compromise the structure's architecture/ proportions.

[scrantonluna]

It would make sense to put an aquarium somewhere on the waterfront, so probably Pittston, WB, etc.

[tsedeski]

doubtful someone woudl build a multi million dollar aquarium in a flood zone (near the river). High water would cuase damge each tiem including killing all the animals.

[FightinPhils]

Originally Posted by tsedeski

doubtful someone woudl build a multi million dollar aquarium in a flood zone (near the river). High water would cuase damge each tiem including killing all the animals.

Which would make downtown Scranton a much more appealing site for an aquarium.

[jongig]

I vote for the Moosic area so that it's in the middle between Scranton/Wilkes Barre so that it gets the full support of both Cities.

Does anyone know how to contact these people to help or get involved. As an experienced ponder and a water operator I'd love to offer my services.

John