Design and Construction Report staff writer
Balfour Beatty and the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation have celebrated the topping out of the new Northern Virginia Science Center, marking a major construction milestone for the region’s future STEM education hub.
The Nov. 12 ceremony commemorated placement of the final structural beam — a construction tradition recognizing progress and the collective efforts of builders, partners and supporters.
“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 of the Science Museum of Virginia.
Since breaking ground in early 2025, Balfour Beatty has worked with the foundation and the Science Museum of Virginia to deliver the 70,000-square-foot facility. To date, crews have poured 5,500 cubic yards of concrete, set 700 tons of structural steel and installed 325 foundations.
The team noted several comparisons to illustrate the scale of work: the steel and rebar used weigh roughly the same as 20 female humpback whales; the largest beam, at 1.74 tons, is similar to the weight of an adult female hippopotamus; and the 300-foot retaining wall spans nearly twice the width of the Washington Commanders’ playing field.
Located on donated land within the Kincora development, the science center will feature five themed galleries, a multipurpose space, public atrium and outdoor learning areas. The museum is designed to serve as a regional destination for hands-on STEM education for children and families.
“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. “Balfour Beatty and our partners look forward to the next phases of construction inching toward completion of the new Science Center that will be a catalyst for lifelong learning in this region.”
With the building’s structure and framing substantially complete, crews are moving into interior buildout. The center is expected to be completed in 2026 and open to the public in 2027.
“Thank you to our partners, vendors and every supporter along the way,” said Nene Spivy, CEO of the Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation. “We would especially like to thank Balfour Beatty for their commitment, craftsmanship and special care of this project.”
