May Update / 2026

Exciting progress continues at the Greensboro Science Center as the Biodome structural steel erection is underway and the iconic dome shape of the structure is beginning to take form. Each truss measures 74 feet in length and weighs approximately 10,000 pounds, representing some of the most significant structural members on the project.

Four to six trusses are being received on site each week, with deliveries requiring close coordination between the project team, the Greensboro Police Department (GPD), and the Science Center to minimize disruption to traffic on Lawndale Drive. Through careful planning and execution, each delivery has been completed with a traffic impact of less than five minutes — a testament to the logistical effort behind every load. Deliveries are expected to continue through mid-June. Once on site, the trusses undergo an extensive welding and detailing process that includes installation of all horizontal bracing and connection hardware, with each member carefully racked, plumbed, and inspected prior to acceptance.

Exterior masonry walls on the North, East, and West elevations of the Biodome and ARCC are complete, with strategic leave-outs intentionally incorporated to allow for the future installation of large Life Support System (LSS) equipment. Interior CMU wall construction within the ARCC is progressing, with MEP trades actively coordinating to rough-in walls in step with each masonry lift.

Waterproofing installation is underway on the interior walls of the elevated viewing platform, which will enable backfill operations to advance and additional interior slabs to be placed. Metal framing of the parapet is anticipated to begin within the next two weeks, to be followed shortly by fluid-applied moisture barrier installation as the project team works to seal the building envelope.

The project remains on schedule, and through creative scheduling by the project team, several trades have been able to safely advance activities ahead of steel erection completion. By maintaining close coordination among all parties and implementing appropriate precautionary measures, concurrent work has been executed safely and efficiently — keeping the overall program on track without compromising site safety.

As steel erection and structural work continue, the following activities are either underway or on the near-term horizon:
— High-performance coating/painting of all structural steel
— Installation of additional interior footings and foundations
— Slab-on-grade pours for back-of-house areas
— ETFE roofing system installation
— Delivery and installation of large LSS equipment required prior to final building close-up

The team remains focused on maintaining momentum across all fronts as the Biodome continues its transformation from structural framework to an enclosed, finished facility.

For questions or additional information about this project, please contact the project team.