Planetarium (old Science Centre) news

[newsposter]

Updated April 2013 - see bottom posting.
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July 1 2007 is the 40th Anniversary of the Telus World of Science. Originally the Centennnial Planetarium, it was a centennial project. When the science centre moves out in 2010, the fate of this important architectural landmark is uncertain. Designed by McMillan and Long, it is "Category A" on the heritage inventory

http://www.calgaryscience.ca/organizati ... ersary.php
http://www.aaa.ab.ca/pages/public/csaa/csaa-06.aspx

A report on the 'new' planetarium included in: A Year to Remember! : a report on the celebrations in Calgary to mark the centenary of Canadian Confederation - 1967, by the City of Calgary.
http://www.ourfutureourpast.ca/loc_hist ... ?id=252752

[newsposter]

With moving of the Science Centre by 2011 assured, and West LRT expansion pressing, the fate of one of Calgary's most important buildings - and arguably its most important "modern" building - is uncertain. This building is category A on the City's heritage list (scored a perfect 100 for heritage and architectural value). The assumption has been that the West LRT line would run between this building and the also-important Mewata Armoury, perhaps lopping off the main entrance deck on the south (see photo above), or the whole building could be at risk... Would incorporating the building into an LRT station be a possibility?

[newsposter]

Video from the West LRT project shows the LRT shaving off the entry deck to the Planetarium; rest of the building intact. The deck is a very important part of the building design. The planners seem to be trying... but is this the best we can do?

Fabulous video, btw. Congratulations to those involved in producing it.

You Tube video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvFz6LR-3fs

[Fragile]

[newsposter]

November 10 2009

The traditional entryway stairs and deck of the Science Centre is presently being demolished to make way for the West LRT (left side of photo below). The rest of the building is being preserved, but it is unfortunate to lose such an integral part of the initial design of this unique heritage inventory building. To be fair, there were not a lot of practical options for threading the LRT between the Planetarium and other heritage sites at this corner - the Kerby Centre and the Mewata Armoury. Not to mention Shaw Millennium park, which may deserve heritage protection in the future. Once the Science Centre moves to its new location it will be interesting to see what moves into the old Planetarium.

[ClintKiesel]

Any updates on this?
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[newsposter]

The deck is gone. The C-Train elevated section, under construction, now launches from this site.

Correction: the south east part of the deck, with the stairs - the near part in the photo above - remains standing as a platform. Separated from the main building by the LRT tracks

[alisontin]

"The deck is gone. The C-Train elevated section, under construction"

so it is under construction? Do they have an exact date when it will be finished.

[newsposter]

The old Planetarium (Science Centre) site is one of five possible locations for a new central library, but is also being touted for a civic art gallery, according to an April 13 Herald story. An art gallery seems a good fit with the existing, largely windowless brutalist building, but a library is something else. If the building is preserved - which we expect is a City priority for this landmark - the library portion would probably have to be built around it. Here's the story:

Proposed central library sites each have pros and cons
By Jason Markusoff, Calgary Herald April 13, 2011 2:03 PM
Calgary's dreams of a new central library may intersect with dreams for a contemporary art museum -both at the soon-to-be-vacated site of Calgary's science centre.
Full story:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Pro ... story.html

[newsposter]

The Telus World of Science closed on Monday June 27, 2011 and will re-open in its new building north of the Zoo in the fall. Meanwhile, there is a lot of speculation about the uses of the old Planetarium building. Here are some of the stories and letters published:

Global TV segment "Planetarium" June 26, 2011, features CHI president Cynthia Klaassen and David Down of the City of Calgary and CAUSA, speaking on the Planetarium and the "brutalist" architectural style. http://www.globaltvcalgary.com/video/index.html

Calgary icon an evolving centre of science
In its 44 years, the Telus World of Science has evolved along with the city. As it closes its doors in favour of a new, updated building, the old planetarium is still at the heart of science in Calgary.
Calgary Herald June 26, 2011
http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Cal ... story.html

Responses to the above story:

Old science centre building can still play a role in the city
Letter to the Editor By Ray Courtman, Calgary Herald June 28, 2011
Read more
http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/sci ... story.html

Fresh idea for market
By Daphne Joseph, Calgary Herald June 29, 2011 Re: "Old science centre building can still play a role in the city," Letter, June 28.
Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/Fresh+idea ... z1Qh3yQnmv

[newsposter]

Stories in the Herald June 27 and 29, 2011 about possible locations for new Central Library, and our lack of a civic art gallery, mention the potential role of the vacated World of Science building (the old Centennial Planetarium) in these projects.

Central Library project may get $135M boost from tax windfall
By Richard Cuthbertson, Calgary Herald June 27, 2011

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Centr ... z1QhFYObAx

Calgary Herald June 29, 2011
Contemporary art museum missing piece of Calgary’s art puzzle
By Stephen Hunt

Read more:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Con ... story.html

[newsposter]

Link to posting about oddities for sale as they clear out the old Planetarium, Nov 2011:
http://www.calgaryheritage.org/CHIForum/vi ... =3006#3006

City wants to lease former science centre

By Richard Cuthbertson, Calgary Herald November 24, 2011

The odd-shaped concrete planetarium that for years housed the Telus World of Science centre and was built to mark Canada's centennial will soon be up for rent.

The landmark, considered the finest example of Brutalist architecture in the city, has been the centre of speculation over its future after the science centre relocated recently to new digs near the Calgary Zoo.

On Wednesday, Kurt Hanson, the director of recreation, confirmed the city isn't looking to sell or demolish the 1967 building, but instead wants to lease it for some sort of community-oriented use...

Read more:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Cit ... story.html

[newsposter]

The old Planetarium is a potential location for new art museum....

Contemporary art alliance seeks new museum space
By Heath McCoy, Calgary Herald, January 21, 2012

The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Calgary just took a big step toward achieving its stated long-term goal to find itself a new location.

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Con ... z1ldvOMZSr

[newsposter]

Alberta Science Centre's first director Wieser dies
Local pioneer promoted arts and culture
By Annalise Klingbeil, Calgary Herald August 13, 2012

A pioneer in Calgary's arts, culture and science community has died.

Siegfried Wieser, the Centennial Planetarium's first executive director, died Aug. 4 at the age of 78 from complications related to Alzheimer's disease.

Wieser began working as executive director at the planetarium, which later became the Alberta Science Centre, in 1966. He held the job until he retired in 1991....

Read more
http://www.calgaryherald.com/travel/Alb ... story.html

[newsposter]

Latest news, from an email from CADA, April 2:

Request for Expression of Interest for the Old Science Centre / Planetarium at 701 11 St. SW

On April 02, 2013, The City of Calgary issued a Request for Expression of Interest (R/EOI) seeking submissions from non-profit organizations capable of planning, designing, developing, and operating an Arts, Culture, and/or Heritage Centre in the City-owned building at 701 11th Street SW. Through the R/EOI, The City is canvassing non-profit private sector organizations for ideas and interest in the facility.

Information, including all documentation pertaining to the R/EOI, is available through The City’s website at http://www.calgary.ca/CA/fs/Pages/Bid-a ... ities.aspx (item 13-011). Direct inquiries can also be made to The City of Calgary by contacting Katie Chung at 403.268.2286 or katie.chung@calgary.ca. The deadline for submissions to the R/EOI is June 04, 2013.

Calgary Arts Development is available upon request to assist any interested party or group in developing a submission as an expression of interest in The City’s R/EOI. Calgary Arts Development assistance includes meetings regarding concept development and seminars on overall project budget planning to optimize an organization’s submission. All services will be provided at no charge. Any Calgary Arts Development services to an interested party are provided wholly by Calgary Arts Development and independent from The City of Calgary. Should your non-profit organization wish Calgary Arts Development assistance in preparing a submission for The City’s R/EOI, please contact Joni Carroll at joni.carroll@calgaryartsdevelopment.com or 403.264.5330 (ext 108).