Good News is Worth Sharing

November 18, 2025

DULLES, V.A. – November 18, 2025 – Balfour Beatty and the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation announces the topping out of the Northern Virginia Science Center, marking a major milestone in the construction of this transformative regional destination for STEM education and exploration. The ceremony, which was held on Nov. 12, commemorates the placement of the final structural beam, a tradition that celebrates the progress and collaboration of the entire project team.

"Today’s topping out ceremony is an important milestone in the construction of the Northern Virginia Science Center, a project that is a perfect example of how public and private interests can join together to create a community resource that will impact residents for decades to come." said Rich Conti, chief wonder officer, Science Museum of Virginia. 

"Today we celebrate the dedication and collaboration of many to reach this major milestone," said Nene Spivy, chief executive officer of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation. "Thank you to our partners, vendors and every supporter along the way. We would especially like to thank Balfour Beatty for their commitment, craftsmanship and special care of this project."

Since breaking ground in early 2025, Balfour Beatty has worked in close partnership with the Science Museum of Virginia and the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation to bring this visionary facility to life. To reach this milestone, Balfour Beatty poured 5,500 cubic yards of concrete, set 700 tons of structural steel and installed 325 foundations, reflecting the scale and complexity of the work completed to date.

These metrics not only demonstrate the physical progress of the project, but also align with the educational and scientific themes that will be central to the Science Center’s experience:

• The total weight of the steel and rebar used for the building is 700 tons, or the approximate weight of 20 female humpback whales.
• The largest steel beam, weighing 1.74 tons, is comparable to the weight of a larger adult female hippopotamus.
• The retaining wall is 300 feet in length, nearly twice the width of the Washington Commanders playing field.

Located on donated land within the Kincora development in Dulles, the 70,000-square-foot Northern Virginia Science Center will feature five themed galleries, a flexible multipurpose space, a public atrium and outdoor educational areas. Designed to inspire curiosity and innovation, the center will serve as a hub for hands-on learning and community engagement for children and families across the region.

“This milestone is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our project team and partners,” said David Chachu, Balfour Beatty vice president of operations in the Mid-Atlantic. “Thank you to all those involved for their commitment to delivering a facility that will ignite a passion for science and discovery in future generations. Balfour Beatty and our partners look forward to the next phases of construction inching towards completion of the new Science Center that will be a catalyst for lifelong learning in this region.”

With the building structure and exterior and interior framing now substantially complete, the project team is advancing into the next phase of work, the interior buildout. The facility is scheduled for completion in 2026 and opening in 2027.