The seismic upgrade is on, asbestos is getting scraped, and improvements are under way at The Leonardo, Utah's planned science-tech-art center that occupies Salt Lake City's old library on Library Square.

With the launch of the 15-month renovation Thursday, Leonardo officials announced that an official opening day will be revealed later this month.

"This is a major milestone in the development of The Leonardo," said Mayor Ralph Becker. "The Leonardo will add to the vibrancy of our city -- from educational and cultural events, to tourism and economic development opportunities."

But it almost didn't happen. Last year, Salt Lake City nearly pulled the plug on the project after Becker and the City Council cited concerns over the museum's financial health. The city even held hostage a $10.2 million bond -- approved by voters in 2003 -- until Leonardo's team scaled back its proposal.

Since released, that money, along with funding from the Redevelopment Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Rocky Mountain Power's Blue Sky Program, will pay for the renovation.

Derek P. Jensen