Branched Oak Observatory (www.branchedoakobservatory.com) is excited to announce they have broken ground for their new multipurpose center facility. The public was invited to celebrate the start of the construction process during a groundbreaking ceremony that was held on January 17.

The addition of the multipurpose building will significantly increase the classroom capabilities, astronomy library, and new restrooms to serve the visitors of the Observatory. This building will allow the Observatory to serve Lincoln Public Schools as a hands-on outreach featuring STEM education, along with serving those who are underserved in our community through organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Cedars Home, and others, by providing an educational experience to help these children to set their course for amazing careers.

They have compiled a powerhouse team of professionals from ACRE Design+, BluCor Construction Group, and Stonebrook Exterior to oversee the design and construction of the new facility. The multipurpose center was designed by the incredible team of architects and design professionals at ACRE Design+. BluCor Construction Group will serve as the general contractor for the project, and Stonebrook Exterior will serve as the building envelope construction team, bringing extensive construction experience to the table from both public and private projects throughout the United States.

Established in 2015, the Branched Oak Observatory is an astronomy park located just southeast of the Branched Oak Recreation Area, 20 miles outside of Lincoln. They offer a wide variety of experiences, including classroom activities, solar viewing, nighttime viewing, space communications with satellites and the ISS, and newly installed Earth Moon Earth. For more information, you can visit www.branchedoakobservatory.com.