REVISED 26-01-20 IDSDC Town Council Presentation 2026
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INTERNATIONAL DARK SKY DISCOVERY CENTER IDSDC Overview & Highlights Ø 23,000 ft² first-of-its-kind STEM facility, and located in the Town’s Civic Center complex Ø Dark Sky Observatory Ø Hyperspace Planetarium Ø Inspiration Theater Ø Night Sky Exhibit Hall Ø Einstein Exploration Station Ø Partnership opportunities with ASU, community colleges and high schools Ø Wide range of uses: lectures, research, tours, star parties, receptions, etc. Ø Designed by Swaback, Phase I built by McCarthy, Phase II pending Key Historical Dates 2015 – Fountain Hills Dark Sky Association formed 2016 – Town Council unanimously approved updated lighting ordinance 2017 – Fulfilled DSI requirements for dark sky designation January 8, 2018 – Fountain Hills recognized as the world’s 17th Dark Sky Community 2019 – IDSDC Board formed 2022 – Town approved site plan and elevations April 8, 2024 – IDSDC groundbreaking ceremony July 8, 2024 – McCarthy begins construction July 11, 2025 – McCarthy completed Phase I Current Status & Next Steps Fundraising Ø $28MM of $30MM raised Phase II Construction (2/3 of interior) Ø Swaback Design Completion – Jan. 2026 Ø McCarthy bidding process – Jan/Feb 2026 Ø Phase 2 construction to start in March or April Ø Anticipated build time: ~ 6 months Ø Anticipated opening: Q4 2026