Concept: Located in Jackson, Wyoming the Snow King Observatory was created to elevate the historically disregarded astronomy observatory aesthetic, in an effort to increase public outreach and promote dark-sky initiatives. A vertical language drives design concepts in celebration of the night sky.

Collaboration with Principal Jamie Farmer, Farmer Payne Architects. Astronomy-based research with Wyoming Stargazing. Project realized by Max C Chapman Jr. , CEO of Snow King Mountain.

Project History

2014 – 2017

The observatory started as a grassroots effort, with no funding or client. Astronomer Dr. Samuel Singer started promoting the idea of Jackson Hole Observatory in 2014. One year later, Samuel met Jakub Galczynski at a Silicon Couloir Meeting in Jackson, WY. Astronomer Dr. Singer and Galczynski initially developed an observatory as a means of expanding non-profit Wyoming Stargazing’s mission. Observatory research and design was developed in these years, in addition to public outreach.

Max C Chapman Jr, CEO of Snow King Mountain Resort, approached Dr. Singer to integrate the observatory into the resort’s Snow King Mountain Master Plan. GM Ryan Stanley and Chief Advisor Jeff Golightly were critical in these years in Master Plan approval.

2021 Galczynski relocated to Ketchum, ID to work for Farmer Payne Architects, and the distance from the observatory location increased. To ensure forward progress, he introduced Snow King Observatory to the firm, which subsequently assumed the role of Architect

2021 – 2024 Galczynski transitioned to an independent role and worked with Jamie Farmer AIA to develop Snow King Observatory. Construction drawings drafted from his home studio in Ketchum, ID. Galczynski coordinated with the architect, builder ,and consultants: civil, structural, planetarium, dome, telescope, acoustics, and classroom seating. Snow King Observatory opened on June 1st 2024.

Snow King Observatory made possible by Max C Chapman Jr

Project Team

Project Founder : Samuel Singer, Wyoming Stargazing

Architect : Jamie Farmer AIA, Farmer Payne Architects

Project Co-Founder & Design Lead : Jakub Galczynski, GALCZYNSKI

Structural Engineer : Jeffrey Hobson PE, Tectonic Design

Telescope Systems : Paul Gardner – Observatory Systems

MEP : Sami Sanderson EIT, Joe Serre PE, Charlie Joy PE, Katie Sanderson EIT – Energy1

Civil Engineer : Dave Dufault PE – Nelson Engineering

Construction Team

General Contractor, Superintendent : Chris Lamorena – Ormond Builders

Construction Manager : Jeff Golightly – Snow King Mountain

General Manager : Ryan Stanley – Snow King Mountain

Telescope : Cameron Vittiglio and Josh Person – Planewave Telescope

Dome : Ash Dome

Planetarium : Design Engineer Chris Wright – SPITZ

Seating : Shannon Jeffries – Sedia Systems

Acoustics : Nate Meyer and Jazlyn Ibarra – Akouo Acoustics

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