By Jaki Underwood, Editor-in-Chief
As the editor-in-chief of Arizona Ascent magazine, I’ve had a front-row seat to Fountain Hills’s transformation over the past few decades. But the town is about to reach new heights—quite literally—with the groundbreaking of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC). This is a unique opportunity for our readers to witness the birth of a landmark that will shape the future of Fountain Hills.
Imagine a $ 25 million, 23,000-square-foot facility, set against the backdrop of a rare solar eclipse on April 8, 2024. This is the International Dark Sky Discovery Center (IDSDC), a game-changer for the local real estate market. Designed by the renowned SWABACK and constructed by McCarthy Building Companies, the IDSDC will house a state-of-the-art 27.5-inch PlaneWave telescope, a 65-seat planetarium, and a 150-person multipurpose auditorium.
“What better way to usher in the construction of the International Dark Sky Discovery Center than at such a rare celestial event under the wide-open skies of Fountain Hills? The next such eclipse is another 20 years away,” said IDSDC Board President Joe Bill. I hope that by then, the IDSDC will be an Arizona icon known worldwide as a place that enables skywatchers of all ages to learn more about the observable universe.”
As a lifelong resident of Fountain Hills, I can attest to the town’s unique status as one of only two International Dark Sky Communities near a central metropolitan area. This designation, which we earned back in 2018, has already begun to drive up home prices in the area. According to the latest data, the median home price in Fountain Hills has increased by 27% over the past six years, outpacing the broader Phoenix metro area. With the IDSDC on the horizon, we can expect this trend to continue, bringing excitement to homeowners and potential buyers alike.
“The IDSDC is going to take that to the next level,” I predict. “Not only will it attract more astronomy enthusiasts, but it will shine a spotlight on Fountain Hills as a unique oasis of dark skies and outdoor recreation.”
Indeed, having an observatory of this caliber right in our backyard will be a significant selling point for the town. Jon Bernhard, design architect and Partner-in-charge with SWABACK, shares my enthusiasm for the project.
“SWABACK provides design services for exciting projects around the world. As a 34-year resident of Fountain Hills, I have a vested interest in this extraordinary facility,” said Bernhard. “The Discovery Center provides an exciting and unique recreational and educational amenity in the community for residents and visitors. I look forward to sharing the range of activities and functions with family and friends.”
In addition to allowing residents to view parts of the night sky obscured by light pollution elsewhere, the IDSDC will also educate visitors on the importance of dark sky preservation. This aligns perfectly with the environmental consciousness of many modern home buyers. It’s a testament to our community’s commitment to education and environmental stewardship, something we can all be proud of.
“We’re seeing a real shift in priorities, where people are looking for homes that not only meet their needs but also align with their values,” I say. “The IDSDC checks a lot of those boxes – it’s educational, environmentally conscious, and just a unique amenity that you can’t find anywhere else in the region.”
With the first research-grade telescope in Greater Phoenix, the IDSDC is poised to become a significant draw for stargazers, students, and families. And for homeowners in Fountain Hills, that translates to a whole new level of curb appeal.
