RATHDRUM - Bids for construction of the youth STAR Science Center came in about a million dollars over projections, but construction is still expected to start this summer.

"The architect (Paul Matthews) is doing a redesign to lower the cost," said Lorna Finman of the nonprofit Discover Technology, which is having the center built.

Finman said bids came in around $3 million for the original design of the 20,000-square-foot building just north of Rathdrum off Highway 41 on Willadsen Road.

"I need to get it down to $2 million to $2.2 million," she said.

Finman said she had a false sense of what she thought the building would cost.

"We built LCF Enterprises (the Finmans' business in Post Falls) as a tilt-up for $2.5 million at the peak time (for costs) and it's almost twice the size as the science center," she said. "That was my thinking."

Finman said the plan is to cut some of the energy- and self-efficient features of the building.

"What drove up the cost was trying to make the building an exhibit itself and the green things," she said. "We'll make a nice front, but we don't need to make the building an exhibit. The kids won't notice what the building looks like, just what's on the inside. It's about getting the kids in there."

Finman said she hopes construction will still start this summer.

"Meantime, we've started looking for a short-term lease on some commercial space for programs," she said.

A groundbreaking ceremony featuring Gov. Butch Otter and other officials was held at the site nearly two years ago. A conditional-use permit for the center was granted by the county last year despite some neighbors' concerns.

Paul Finman, Lorna's husband, is scheduled to be tried on Feb. 28 for allegedly tearing down a house around a family at his ranch in Vay in Bonner County in October 2010.

He pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated assault for using a tractor to demolish a home while three of its occupants were still inside. There were no injuries.

Lorna said the case has not had an impact on the science center.

Discover Technology, founded by the Finmans, has supported robotics and other youth science programs for several years.