Business View Civil and Municipal | May/June 2022

7 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 3, ISSUE 5 INTERNATIONAL ATTRACTION FOR ARIZONA REACHES MILESTONES FACILITY DESIGN UNVEILED; BUILDER SELECTED; SHOVEL READY BY F OUNTAIN HILLS, ARIZONA– The conceptual design, including a 3D flyover of the multi- functional, 22,000 square-foot International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC), has been completed by Swaback, an award-winning Scottsdale-based architectural firm. The builder recently chosen is McCarthy Building Companies, which has experience with complex building projects, such as the OdySea Aquarium and the ASU Biodesign Institute. They are working closely with Swaback to develop the detailed design and estimate that the project will by shovel-ready by November. “We are very excited to have reached this phase and have an amazing 3D flyover of the facility,” said Joe Bill, IDSDC President. “This brings us much closer to creating an international centerpiece that will inspire future scientists and people of all ages to understand how important dark skies are for the well-being of humans, plants, and animals and for opening the window to the observable universe.” Four major components are planned for the IDSDC: Dark Sky Observatory with the largest telescope in the Greater Phoenix Area; Hyperspace Planetarium with digital immersive technology; Inspiration Theater with 8K projection; and Immersion Zone with interactive experiential exhibits. Chosen to design the exhibits is PGAV Destinations, a St. Louis firm that has designed exhibits for major facilities, OPENING L INES