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Desert Discovery Center
The Proposed Desert Discovery Center (DDC) at the Gateway to the McDowell Sonoran Preserve is envisioned to provide opportunities for residents and visitors to discover the story of the Upper Sonoran Desert. Through exhibits and environmental experiences presented in a natural setting, the center will inspire learning about the desert through programs designed to encourage preservation and instill a sense of harmony with and respect for the desert environment in which we live.
Phase III
The current phase of feasibility study will assess private funding capacity and interest, evaluate public funding options, and recommend a business, operating and management model for the DDC.
On April 5, the City Council appointed the 5-member DDC Phase III Committee which will hold a series of public meetings to develop its recommendations. Committee meetings will be held on the second Wednesday of each month at 8:00 a.m. at SkySong, 1475 N. Scottsdale Road in the Ingenuity Conference Room #301. To access meeting minutes and agendas, please click here.
Phase II
Planning focused on refining concepts, conducting a statistically significant market survey to determine the character and content of the DDC preferred by residents, visitors and business interests, identifying preliminary building configuration and design opportunities, and preparing a preliminary business plan.
On November 9, 2010 the City Council approved the Desert Discovery Center Feasibility Study Phase II report dated September 1, 2010 by Swaback Partners pllc.
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November 9, 2010 City Council Presentation (pdf/12.1mb/41pp)
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Full DDC Feasibility Study Phase II (pdf/27.4mb/585pp)
The full report is large - individual Sections can be downloaded below. -
Sections 1 & 2 -- Executive Summary and Process (pdf/520kb/13pp)
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Section 3 -- Concept Development (pdf/5.7mb/60pp)
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Section 4 -- Interpretive Exhibits (pdf/238kb/28pp)
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Section 5 -- Business Plan (pdf/7.6mb/310pp)
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Section 6 -- Probable Cost (pdf/322kb/16pp)
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Appendix A-G (pdf/14.7mb/158pp)
Phase I
Planning was completed by ConsultEcon, Inc. and Exhibit Design Associates, who were hired to develop concepts for the DDC through a public involvement process.
View the Phase I Report (pdf/16mb/205pp)
For questions regarding Phase 1, 2, or 3 of the Desert Discovery Center, please contact Kroy Ekblaw at 480-312-7064 or kekblaw@scottsdaleaz.gov or Bob Tunis at 480-312-7057 or rtunis@scottsdaleaz.gov .
