PORT CANAVERAL, Fla. – The seven story, 23,000-square-foot glass-and-steel structure was designed to catch the public's eye with its wave-like crown that stands 189 feet in the air.
Port Canaveral's new welcome center, which doesn't have an official name yet, is the centerpiece in the port's redevelopment project. The cove will now include a new cruise terminal, boat ramps, entertainment venue, and retail stores.
"It really is a magnet or beacon. We like to say it's the first of what's next," said Tim Macy.
Not only does the new center offer incredible views of the Kennedy Space Center, Port Canaveral and Indian River Lagoon, but it also educates its visitors with each floor looking into a different piece of Brevard County history.
From the county's rich space history, to its environmental awareness, the center offers something for everybody.
Macy said, "There's a lot more history here than people realize and we try to show that on every single level."
Macy is Port Canaveral's executive director for infrastructure, real estate development, and recreation and also oversaw construction for the space shuttle Atlantis exhibit at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex.
He says the two new additions to the area show that the Space Coast is headed in the right direction.
"This gives somebody the opportunity to come down to the area and spend several days down here," said Macy.
The port says they hope to choose an official name for the center by Oct. 3 and plan on opening to the public the first week of November.