UniSource is supporting a major expansion of Lowell Observatory – a world-famous attraction where Pluto was discovered – with upgrades to our gas service and community donations.
Opening in November, the Astronomy Discovery Center at the research facility in Flagstaff will include a one-of-a-kind rooftop planetarium, theater and exhibits. With visitor growth anticipated to increase by at least 25 percent, the new center is expected to make a major economic impact in Northern Arizona.
“This community understands the vital significance of Lowell, which was founded in 1894,” said Richard Perez, District Manager of UniSource’s Flagstaff office. “For us to provide service and support for its expansion is going to be a benefit to everyone.”
Gas Project
The expansion began in 2021, and UniSource was brought in early on to ensure that the 40,000-square-foot venue will have adequate heating and gas facilities.
Although the current visitor area is mostly outdoors, staying busiest during the warmer months, the new center will feature a large indoor space that attracts visitors year-round. Observatory planners anticipated needing more natural gas than UniSource’s previous pipes and equipment could accommodate.
UniSource decided to undertake an “uprate” – adding new infrastructure and increasing gas pressure – to ensure sufficient service for the center and the surrounding area in downtown Flagstaff.
Such large-scale projects are rare, coming around every decade or two, Perez said. The gas project took about six months to complete.
“For me, personally, I’d never done a project like this,” said Travis Puklavetz, Supervisor of Construction and Maintenance. “It was a great learning experience and satisfying to see it from start to finish.”
Community Support
UniSource also has long supported Lowell Observatory philanthropically because of its education and STEM mission, a major focus area for our corporate giving.
For the grand opening celebrations, to be held Nov. 8-16, UniSource is serving as a sponsor of one of the event spaces, the Great Planetary Hall.
In addition to hosting festivities, UniSource has contributed to the annual I Heart Pluto Festival, which takes place each year to celebrate the discovery of Pluto. In February, UniSource sponsored a night at the Orpheum Theater with best-selling author Diana Gabaldon, whose family has roots in Flagstaff and Lowell.
“Lowell Observatory extends its heartfelt gratitude to UniSource Energy Services for its unwavering commitment to our community through exceptional gas services and dedication to STEM education,” said Sarah Burcher Dankof, Lowell’s Corporate and Foundation Philanthropy Manager.
“UniSource’s generous sponsorship of the Grand Opening of our new Astronomy Discovery Center paves the way for countless discoveries and spreads a love of science through the Northern Arizona community and beyond.”
