SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) in Syracuse says it will use nearly $3 million in federal funding for a “major”renovation project at the facility. The money will help pay for a project to turn the eastern portion of the museum building into a STEAM education space, per […]
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) in Syracuse says it will use nearly $3 million in federal funding for a “major”renovation project at the facility. The money will help pay for a project to turn the eastern portion of the museum building into a STEAM education space, per the Wednesday announcement. STEAM is short for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
The project will convert the space into classroom and instructional space; upgrade and modernize plumbing, mechanical, life safety, and other support systems; and add an elevator and other modifications for ADA accessibility. ADA is short for the federal 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.
The MOST used its announcement to thank U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.), and U.S. Representative Brandon Williams (R–Sennett) for securing the funding for the project.
“The federal funding secured by these elected officials is transformational for the MOST and for the community we serve,” Lauren Kochian, president of the MOST, said in the announcement. “This project will enable us to expand and diversify the high-quality science and technology education that we offer the local community, most ofwhich we offer free to participants and their families. We are so excited about the impact that this project will have on educational opportunities for kids from all backgrounds.”
The east wing of the MOST, referred to as Phase 4, was completed in 1907 as part of the third New York State Armory built on the site, the MOST said. The interior has not been in active use since the 1980s and was not renovated as part of the original conversion of the building into the MOST in the mid-1990s.
The space is adjacent to the lawn on the Jefferson Street loop and features a four-story turreted tower. The interior, which is currently used for storage, includes 10,000 square feet of space and retains “considerable historical details” from its original construction. Crews handling the renovation will preserve and restore carved wood fireplaces, original hardwood floors, vintage light fixtures, and other handmade and locally crafted details.
“I am proud to deliver this nearly $3 million in federal funding for Syracuse’s beloved Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science & Technology. This will help the museum grow to give thousands of Syracuse kids and families access to new, state-of-the art classrooms and hands-on learning in science, math, and technology,” Schumer said in the MOST announcement. “From Micron’s major investment in Central NY to the exciting research going on at [Syracuse University], places like the MOST that combine learning and fun are how we can spark interest early on for the STEAM jobs that will be building Syracuse’s future.”