ROSMAN, N.C. (WLOS) — The former satellite tracking facility for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in Rosman, North Carolina, is now up for sale, according to a listing posted on NAI Piedmont Triad.
The Pisgah Astronomical Research Institute (PARI) is a 192-acre site, built in 1963, that features more than 30 buildings, including a welcome center, library, exhibits, dorms and staff housing, and dining facilities. The site is selling for $30 million.
PISGAH ASTRONOMICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE FACING FUNDING CRISIS
“All of us are excited about it just because we’ve never seen anything like it and probably never will,” said Robbie Perkins, Market President at NAI Piedmont Triad.
It could be considered perfect spot to stare at the stars: the site sits surrounded by 500,000 acres of dark sky, courtesy of the Pisgah National Forest in Transylvania County.
“It feels like you’re walking into the past, but you’ve got a glimpse of the future,” Perkins explained.
According to the listing, NASA originally developed the campus as part of the Space Race; the campus helped capture the first images of Earth from space.
The campus was also used by the National Security Agency during the Cold War as a key satellite communications hub.
“It’s entirely unique. The federal government spent some $250 million on the site back in the early 60s,” Perkins said. “So, what is that worth today?”
The listing says that scientific and technological assets include more than 25 optical telescopes, a planetarium, dish antennas, data centers, laboratories, and radio arrays.
According to the listing, under the current owner, which is a non-profit organization, the campus is used for STEM education, scientific research, data archiving, facility rentals, events, and private programs.
Perkins said that there’s already been some interest worldwide from prospective buyers, but he wouldn’t say who.
Under current ownership, any possible buyer would have to be approved by the PARI Board of Directors along with the state’s Attorney General.
While it’s the perfect site to study space, the possibilities are endless.
“I’ve been in the commercial real estate business 46 years and I can tell you this one is the most interesting piece of property that we’ve ever had the privilege of working on,” Perkins said.
“This scientific landmark is ready for next-gen use, from AI research and data archiving to aerospace communications, STEM education, and even quantum computing,” the listing says.
First Appeared on
Source link
