Lowell Observatory

Building Design & Construction

The detail design of the telescope building was developed by M3 Engineering and Technology Corp. in Tucson, AZ, a multi-disciplinary architectural and engineering company. The thermal design studies for the facility were conducted by TF Design, a specialized engineering firm based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Construction of the DCT facility was performed by BEC Southwest, Inc. out of Flagstaff, AZ. Facility construction was divided into two packages, the first being the site infrastructure including the access road, site leveling and fencing. Work on this phase began in November 2004 following issuance of the Special Use Permit from the USFS and was completed in July 2005.

The second phase of construction involved excavating the foundation, pouring concrete, erecting structural steel for the main building, and constructing the auxiliary building. It also included installation of major subsystems such as cranes, HVAC, electrical and plumbing fixtures, and data/communication lines. Construction of the main facility began in September 2005 and was completed in July 2007. Below is an architectural model of the DCT facility and auxiliary building.

Discovery Channel Telescope – Technical Information

Building Design & Construction