Plan for 117-Foot-High Cube to Be Debated

Opponents of the Discovery Science Center plan to attend a public hearing Monday to criticize the museum’s proposed 117-foot-high decorative cube, which they have dubbed a piece of “Dennis Rodman-type architecture” worthy of the flashy basketball player with brightly colored hair.

Science center supporters also are expected to show up at City Hall to argue that the cube will become the museum’s trademark and help bring needed attention and educational benefits to Orange County.

After the public hearing, the City Council will consider approving the museum’s environmental impact report, allowing construction of the museum’s first phase, valued at $17.8 million.

City staffers have recommended that the council approve the plans, although they note that the center will bring added traffic.

Some nearby residents, such as Mel Vernon, support the museum in general but are bothered by the cube.

Vernon said early plans indicated that the cube would be 70 feet high. Each side of the cube would be 70 feet, but the cube would be balanced on one corner, making the height 117 feet.

Vernon proposed that the cube, which will likely be wrapped with colored neon or fiber optic bands, be limited to 70 feet in height.

But science center officials said they need all 117 feet of the hollow black polymer cube, which could be used for science demonstrations.

“We are creating an icon,” center spokeswoman Pam Shambra said. “An icon needs to be big.”

The center will be at 2522 N. Main St., near the Santa Ana Freeway. Construction could begin by summer.

The council meets at 6 p.m. in Council Chambers at 22 Civic Center Plaza.

Information: (714) 647-6520.