The owners of the Space Needle have purchased part of Seattle’s Pacific Science Center for $17.25 million.
The sale amounts to more than 20% of the science center’s campus, including the Boeing IMAX Theater and part of the Ackerley Family Exhibit Gallery, reported the Seattle Times. The theater closed in February and is set to reopen in May. The entire 6.5-acre property is assessed at $157.8 million.
Pacific Science Center is a nonprofit science education organization based in Seattle. Its main science museum is on the grounds of the Seattle Center near downtown. The buyer is Center Art LLC, an entity owned by the Wright family and led by Ron Sevart, CEO of the Space Needle.
With the sale, the Space Needle expands its physical footprint in and near Seattle Center. Proceeds from the sale will help fund Pacific Science Center’s plans to improve its aging campus and buildings.