The Atlas Science Center, formerly the Paper Discovery Center, announced in November it would be closing permanently, citing operational costs. PC: Fox 11 Online
APPLETON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The future of the assets inside the Atlas Science Center, formerly the Paper Discovery Center, in Appleton, remains unknown. Museum leaders announced earlier this month the facility would permanently close. They cited rising operational costs.
David Oliver moved Mondo! On the River, his restaurant and wine bar, to the Paper Discovery Center building in Appleton this summer.
While he’s in the same building that houses the Atlas Science Center and Paper Industry International Hall of Fame, his space and the science center are owned by two separate entities. In fact, Atlas owns its space, while Mondo! and other businesses rent from a different owner.
“This side of the building, nothing is going to change everything is going to remain the same. There are tenants upstairs, we’re down here. It’s all going to be the same. It’s only that side of the building that’s going to change,” said Oliver.
According to Oliver, the Atlas side is about 20,000 sq. ft. The science center started as a museum, opening as the Paper Discovery Center in 2005. Its focus was teaching about the papermaking industry while promoting life-long learning, discovery and scientific exploration. It was rebranded the Atlas Science Center in 2022.
Oliver said, “Having a museum that initially was focused on the paper industry but then expanded to more science oriented in general was great for school kids and adults, so it’s sad that we’re losing that.”
In announcing its closure, Atlas officials said they have entered into a partnership with the nearby Building for Kid’s Children’s Museum where some of the science centers assets could be redeployed to facilitate the ongoing pursuit of scientific education and community enrichment.
No one from the Atlas or Building for Kids would expound on those plans. And as of right now, it’s unclear what will happen with the Hall of Fame portion of the Atlas.
“We’re not called the Paper Valley for nothing. And it would be so unfortunate if that somehow dissolves. I really hope that there is someone out there who will find a home for a paper hall of fame,” added Oliver.
And with parking at a premium, in the area around the building, and no clear indication of what Atlas will do with their portion of the building, Oliver said he’d like to see the space converted into residential condos or apartments.
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