Why on Earth should publishing a book on science for non-scientists be damaging to your career?

Abso-bloody-lutely!

I don't think it even has to be a building as such

On the other hand, I think building an actual "Cathedral of Suns" to showcase the majesty of the cosmos would be a worthwhile endeavor. O.o

Without her trailblazing advocacy, these reforms might never have happened.

I'm not sure I'd go that far. Things may have happened later than they did, but it's likely that someone else would have gotten things started. Still, I'm glad you wrote this post. I will do more reading about Frances Wright.

Cafe Scientifique is a good modern alternative. I don't think it even has to be a building as such, just scientists who are willing to interact with the public and rekindle people's interest in science. Too often that sort of thing is dismissed as "popularization" - I think it should be an accomplishment that any practicing scientist can list on their CV.

For example, the university where I did my undergraduate degree used to have an Engineering Expo every year in which the engineering department and various science departments would put on shows and demonstrations (often done by us students) which were pretty well received by the community. My graduate alma mater would periodically have a Saturday Morning physics series of talks for the public, along with opening up the lab for guided tours and so forth. Based on the good attendance with those as well, I would suspect that the public would be quite receptive to something more continually available along those lines.

Just some meandering thoughts I thought I'd drop in. Thanks for the post.