MIAMI—The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science is set to open in 2015. When it does, it will mark the capstone of Downtown Miami's new Museum Park complex.

The economic impact of the construction and the long-term impact are huge. But there are challenges getting the 250,000-square-foot complex from the ground to the sky.

When complete, the building will harness energy from water, sun, wind and even museum visitors to power exhibits and conserve resources. The museum will be structured around a lushly landscaped indoor and outdoor “living core” of terrestrial and aquatic environments, featuring an aquarium experience totaling over 600,000 gallons, a full dome planetarium, interactive exhibits, innovative technology and two additional wings of exhibition space, learning center, and cafes.