Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, construction nears completion on the Monroe Science Center in Monroe, NC.

Verner Johnson is working with Charlotte-based Architect Morris-Berg and the City of Monroe, NC to redevelop an abandoned property on the edge of downtown. The Monroe Tourism Development Authority determined that a hands-on science and learning-themed facility would not only be an asset for city and county residents, but would serve to attract residents from surrounding counties.

Verner Johnson’s task was to convert a one story, windowless brick building, originally built as a grocery store, into an exciting new children’s science museum within a very tight budget. We developed concept options for the exterior with the approach to let the existing building be a neutral background for a playful, eye-catching and engaging entry sequence from the street and the adjacent parking area into the building.

Verner Johnson is also leading the exhibit design, aiding the City of Monroe in developing cohesive exhibits experiences in the fields of Aviation/Aerospace, Agriculture, Biomedical, and Hands-on Science.