Port Discovery Galactic Builders and SKIES
Lewis Contractors, in partnership with Ziger | Snead, transformed an existing space at Port Discovery Children’s Museum in Baltimore into an immersive, interactive environment now open to the public as the Galactic Builders and SKIES exhibit. This highly customized interior build-out required advanced technical coordination, extensive infrastructure modifications, and a collaborative approach to translating a bold creative vision into a fully functional, code-compliant finished space.
The project involved comprehensive interior renovations including new flooring and wall finishes, upgraded lighting systems, complex ceiling construction, and full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing coordination. Because the design concept originated with the Owner’s exhibit designer and was subsequently reverse-engineered into construction documents by the base building design team, documentation gaps were inevitable. Lewis proactively identified and resolved these gaps throughout preconstruction and construction, ensuring the finished environment aligned precisely with the Owner’s creative intent.
Among the project’s most significant technical challenges were severely constrained overhead clearances caused by large existing ductwork serving adjacent spaces. To achieve the design’s required ceiling heights, Lewis selectively demolished and reconfigured portions of the ductwork and relocated the existing gas main — a complex undertaking within an occupied, operational museum facility. The finished space features a dynamic array of ceiling elevations and dramatic radiused ceiling elements constructed to align precisely with curved architectural features below, all seamlessly integrated with mechanical systems, lighting infrastructure, and exhibit components.
Coordination with two separate exhibit fabricators — each contracted directly by the Owner with distinct scopes and installation schedules — added another layer of complexity. Lewis managed the careful sequencing of all base building work, including MEP rough-ins and final connections, around each fabricator’s timeline, requiring constant communication and field flexibility to keep the project on track.
A standout innovation on the project involved the custom backlit false windows. Working collaboratively with Ziger | Snead and the glazing contractor, Lewis developed an improved installation system that preserved the dramatic visual effect of the original design while increasing durability and simplifying long-term maintenance — a value-driven solution that delivered a superior outcome for the Owner.
Municipal review delays related to fire alarm and sprinkler approvals created schedule pressures that required proactive sequencing adjustments and contingency planning. Despite these challenges, Lewis maintained project momentum and delivered the completed exhibit on time.
The Port Discovery Galactic Builders and SKIES exhibit stands as a compelling example of Lewis Contractors’ ability to execute technically demanding, design-forward interior construction — bringing creativity and precision together in one of Baltimore’s most beloved children’s destinations.