Transformation Begins at Nikola Tesla's Historic NY Laboratory as New ESD Grant Propels Renovations for a Global Museum and Science Center

SHOREHAM, N.Y., March 11, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe (TSCW) received a $750,000 Empire State Development (ESD) grant from the New York Regional Economic Development Councils (REDC) 2019 Awards program. The award is designated for use in the renovation of Wardenclyffe, the last remaining laboratory of renowned inventor Nikola Tesla, into three unique attractions: a museum honoring Tesla and his legacy; a center for education and research; and an accelerator and technologist innovation program.

ESD grant programs provide $150 million of capital grant funding for the REDC Initiative. TSCW was selected based on its capacity to expand economic development and employment. Supporters on all levels endorsed TSCW for the grant, including New York Congressman Lee Zeldin who said, "The Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe will create an array of opportunities that will spur job creation and revenue through tourism, educational opportunities, and science-based entities right in the heart of Long Island's Science Corridor. It's been an honor to support the center in its request for this critical funding, and I am excited to see their continued hard work come to fruition."

Wardenclyffe has a historic role in New York's economic development. In 1901 Tesla constructed a laboratory and 18-story transmitting tower in Shoreham, NY, to serve as a Radio City with a thriving community of skilled workers, families, businesses, and schools. Tesla chose Long Island due to its location on the eastern-most US where clear transmissions could be sent across the Atlantic. The area's topography also made it the site of the world's Cradle of Aviation which led to a flourishing aerospace industry, followed by global leaders in research and technology such as Cold Spring Harbor Lab and Brookhaven National Lab.

Wardenclyffe's importance to the area's technological history was noted by New York State Senator LaValle. "Throughout my career I have worked hard to bring together the many institutions of higher education and research that we are so fortunate to have in our region," said LaValle. "The Tesla Wardenclyffe project is a terrific asset to our local community and is a natural tie-in to Brookhaven National Laboratory, our regional colleges and universities, and our research facilities to the west. I am pleased to have played a role in securing this state funding that will help to preserve a valuable part of our history while at the same time teaching and supporting future generations of young scientists and researchers."

TSCW's economic potential came into the world spotlight in 2012 when the emerging non-profit launched a crowdfund that raised a record-breaking $1.3 million in 6 weeks from supporters in 108 countries. Since then, TSCW has raised almost $10 million of its $20 million goal and is now positioned to construct a Tesla museum and science center at Wardenclyffe. "ESD grant funds will be used for demolition of non-historic structures and renovation of Tesla's lab into a completely innovative and evolving museum and science center that will spur significant economic growth," states Marc Alessi, TSCW's Executive Director. "TSCW will create jobs at all levels, boost businesses, and drive future growth through an accelerator that will foster the next generation of technologists."

According to Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker, "This grant provides the resources Tesla Science Center needs to continue to preserve the legacy of Nikola Tesla and provides residents with educational and recreational programming to learn about and be inspired by science and technology," said Legislator Anker. "I sincerely congratulate Tesla Science Center and look forward to what the organization will accomplish this year."

TSCW is a non-profit 501(c) organization with a mission to establish a global center at the site of Nikola Tesla's only remaining laboratory that will preserve, restore, and advance Tesla's legacy of invention and perseverance through education and innovation. For more information, contact TSCW at (631) 886-2632 or [email protected] or go to http://www.teslasciencecenter.org.

SOURCE Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe