Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commissioners report exploratory work on technology museum concept for Potomac Yard area
Summary
Commissioners reported ongoing exploratory outreach to museum and technology leaders seeking a privately sponsored technology/innovation center near the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and Potomac Yard Metro area; the outreach is preliminary and aimed at private-public partnerships.
Planning commissioners reported progress on exploratory conversations to identify a potential technology or innovation center in the North Potomac Yard area, intended to complement the newly opened Virginia Tech Innovation Campus.
Commissioners Stephen Koenig and a colleague said they held discussions with national and regional leaders in science and technology centers, and with private institutions and advocates, to assess interest in establishing a publicly accessible technology center or museum near the Innovation Campus and the Metro station. They said the Smithsonian would be an option but acknowledged that a Smithsonian partnership could face the longest timetable and fiscal hurdles; they are therefore also pursuing private corporate partners who could build and operate a center more quickly.
The commissioners reported positive receptions from multiple museum leaders and elected officials, including a meeting tied to the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus opening. The commissioners indicated next steps include leveraging political and institutional contacts to identify potential partners and to refine a concept that would align with the small area plan and the Innovation Campus goals.
This work is exploratory and not an official commission project; the commissioners said they would continue outreach and may request facilitation or support from elected leaders or city staff in later phases.
