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Board clears Discovery Museum to mount removable Bell helicopter on rooftop as educational exhibit
Summary
The Board of Architectural Review approved a proposal by the Discovery Museum to install a removable Bell helicopter on its rooftop as part of an educational exhibit. Presenters said the exhibit will be engineered to rest on the parapet, overhang the sidewalk about 10 feet and be removable; the board approved coordination with city staff and required further engineering details.
Discovery Museum representatives presented BAR26‑53 seeking approval to install a full‑scale Bell helicopter on the museum’s rooftop as a removable education exhibit. Presenters described the exhibit as part of a "world wildlife" and aviation program for the museum’s 30th anniversary, with an interactive cockpit children can enter and educational programming tied to school standards.
Project leads told the board they have consulted engineers and city staff, that the helicopter would be supported on pinpoint steel attachments to the parapet and that the exhibit would be removable. They said the helicopter is currently in Washington state and would be shipped, partially disassembled, and reassembled on site. A target installation window mentioned by presenters was Labor Day week, contingent on final engineering and city permits.
Board members sought details about structural attachments and precedent. Project architects and museum staff said the installation is designed to be temporary and removable and that they have engaged local engineers and the airport for transport and storage logistics. "I think it's gonna be a huge asset to all the children," the chair said during discussion. After discussion the board approved the proposal; project staff will return with final engineering and coordinate necessary city department approvals and any required MOUs or easements.
Next steps: Discovery Museum to deliver final engineering drawings, attachment details and coordination documents to Planning/Building staff; installation contingent on those approvals and standard permits.
