By JAMES FINK
jfink@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1611

The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex has landed one of the coveted space shuttle orbiters for a permanent exhibit.

NASA designated the center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., as one of four venues nationwide that will serve as permanent sites. Delaware North Cos., which has operated the Visitor Complex since 1995, put together a $100 million development to house the shuttle and build an adjoining, 65,000-square-foot building. More than 21 sites were vying for the orbiter.

NASA said the space shuttle Atlantis will be housed at Kennedy Space Center after its final flight in June.

"We're so immensely proud to be entrusted with the national treasure that is Atlantis. We can't wait to break ground on the $100 million project that will become Atlantis' final home," said Kevin Kelly, president of Delaware North Cos. Parks & Resorts.

NASA made its announcement Tuesday to coincide with the 30th anniversary of the first space shuttle launch.

Kennedy Space Center is one of 21 organizations and museums that made pitches to NASA for one of the orbiters. Others included the Smithsonian Institution National Air and Space Museum in Washington, the Museum of Flight in Seattle, Adler Planetarium in Chicago and the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City.

Securing the orbiter likely will lead to a boost in a museum's annual attendance.

William Moore, Kennedy Space Center chief operating officer, said it was attractive to NASA for a number of reasons. They include the fact that, to date, all 133 space shuttles were launched there.

"This is the home of the shuttle." Moore said. "It would be hard to imagine Kennedy Space Center without a shuttle."

Delaware North's $100 million investment includes the new, adjoining building. It will include a theater and space shuttle launch simulator, among other features. Delaware North is also planning a mock-up of the Hubble Telescope as part of the exhibit. The telescope also was launched from Kennedy Space Center.

The entire investment would be self-funded by Delaware North, which would recoup its costs through a projected spike in attendance and increased sales of merchandise and concessions.

The Kennedy Space Center annually attracts 1.5 million visitors. Moore said securing an orbiter could result in attendance increasing by "at least" 15 percent.