RATHDRUM - A STAR is being born. Construction on the 20,000-square foot youth STAR (Science, Technology and Research) Center on Highway 41 just north of Rathdrum is slated to start in mid-July.

RATHDRUM - A STAR is being born.

Construction on the 20,000-square foot youth STAR (Science, Technology and Research) Center on Highway 41 just north of Rathdrum is slated to start in mid-July.

The project of the nonprofit North Idaho Discovery Association, co-founded by Paul and Lorna Finman, is expected to cost between $2 million and $2.5 million.

"We've done all the heavy lifting and groundwork and we're now preparing the land for groundbreaking," said Brian Induni, NIDA executive director and Coeur d'Alene High robotics coach. "We're looking at a 16- to 18-month build cycle, so that puts us to middle or late next year to open the doors."

The building will be privately funded through NIDA, science camp and program fees and exhibit and building sponsors.

"The land has been paid for," Induni said, adding that a contractor will be chosen soon.

A third of the building, designed by Rathdrum architect Paul Mathews, will be dedicated to hands-on exhibits that are free and open to the public.

The other two-thirds will be for science and technology education and research.

"The center is designed for extracurricular education after school and during the summer," Induni said. "It's to help the kids who want to learn more, are hungry for that next step and want to make a leap through practical applications.

"It will give kids that piece of information they probably aren't getting through public schools."

With the help of NIDA, which has sponsored area students at science contests, robotics and other programs have gained momentum in recent years.

The science center will be built on 80 acres that will also include soccer fields to "exercise the body along with the mind," Induni said.

Induni said Friday, July 16, may be a good target date for the groundbreaking since the space flight of Apollo 11 launched on that date in 1969, landing the first humans on the earth's moon.

For more information, e-mail binduni@usstars.org.