Funding type
This project involves public funds, public land, or is a Federally funded roadway project.
McDonald Observatory Public Restroom
3640 Dark Sky Drive McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, TX, 79734
McDonald Observatory Public Restroom is a new construction project at 3640 Dark Sky Drive McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, in Jeff Davis County, TX, tracked from its Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) registration. Under construction, estimated completion Nov 2026. The project has an estimated value of $350K across about 160 sq ft.
- Estimated project value
- $350K
About this figure
Estimated construction cost supplied in the TDLR filing. This is not a current property appraisal or a final construction invoice.
- Reported floor area
- 160 ft²
About this figure
Square footage reported for this scope of work. It may cover only part of a larger property.
- Estimated cost / ft²
- $2.19K/sqft
About this figure
Calculated from this filing’s estimated cost divided by its reported square footage. Available only when both figures are supplied; it is not a market benchmark.
- Scheduled duration
- 5 months
About this figure
The interval between the filed start and completion dates. These dates describe the proposed schedule and do not measure actual construction progress.
The project record
Project timeline
Explore filed milestones and scheduled dates. Open a milestone for its source.
4 timeline dates shown.
Project registered · TDLR filing
Registration of the project with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Source: TDLR filing
View source recordScheduled construction start · Scheduled date
A date supplied in the filing; this does not confirm that work started or finished.
122 days after the preceding date shown.
Source: TDLR filing
View source recordReview complete · TDLR filing
The filing records completion of the accessibility review.
1 days after the preceding date shown.
Source: TDLR filing
View source recordScheduled completion · Scheduled date
A date supplied in the filing; this does not confirm that work started or finished.
163 days after the preceding date shown.
Source: TDLR filing
View source record
📰About McDonald Observatory Public Restroom
A new 160-square-foot prefabricated restroom building is under construction at the McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis. The project, registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, involves the installation of the facility and associated site work to enable its use. It is scheduled to finish in November 2026.
The University of Texas Board of Regents serves as the owner of record for this addition. The facility is located at 3640 Dark Sky Drive within the Jeff Davis County area. The estimated cost for the new construction is $350,000, which calculates to $2,188 per square foot. This investment supports the observatory’s infrastructure by providing dedicated restroom facilities for visitors and staff.
Design and Regulatory Process
Parkhill is the design firm of record for the project. Rogelio Valdemar Gonzalez-cavazos is the registered accessibility specialist associated with the filing. The project involves public funds and public land. TDLR completed the plan review in June 2026. Construction work began in June 2026, following the completion of the regulatory review process.
The surrounding area is home to other significant astronomical facilities. The Astronomers Lodge at the University of Texas McDonald Observatory, the Harlan J. Smith Telescope, and the Otto Struve Telescope are located near the site. The project integrates with these existing structures to enhance the visitor experience at the observatory.
Local Context and Ownership
The University of Texas Board of Regents has two other TDLR-registered projects totaling $752,236. These include a separate McDonald Observatory project valued at $200,000 and a project in Houston valued at $552,236. Parkhill, the design firm, has six other registered projects totaling $25,821,224. These projects are located in Midland, Abilene, Lubbock, and Amarillo.
Fort Davis is situated in Jeff Davis County. According to U.S. Census ACS 2023 five-year estimates for ZIP 79734, the population is about 1,616. The median household income is $39,375, and the median owner-occupied home value is $251,300. The housing in this area is predominantly owner-occupied. The Jeff Davis County unemployment rate was 5 percent in July 2026.
Review Complete
Design review complete, construction may proceed
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McDonald Observatory Public Restroom is a New Construction project located at 3640 Dark Sky Drive McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, TX 79734 in Fort Davis, Texas. The project has an estimated value of $350K covering 160 sq ft. University of Texas Board of Regents is the property owner and Parkhill is the design firm of record. The project was registered with TDLR on February 17, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the McDonald Observatory restroom expected to be finished?
The project is scheduled to finish in November 2026. Construction started in June 2026 after TDLR completed the plan review in the same month.
Who is paying for the new restroom building?
The University of Texas Board of Regents is the owner of record. The project involves public funds and public land, with an estimated total cost of $350,000.
How large is the new restroom facility?
The new construction is 160 square feet. It is a prefabricated building installed with associated site work and utility enabling.
Is the McDonald Observatory restroom open to the public?
The project is under construction and scheduled to finish in November 2026. The TDLR record indicates the status is Review Complete, with work in progress.
What is McDonald Observatory Public Restroom?
McDonald Observatory Public Restroom is a new construction project at 3640 Dark Sky Drive McDonald Observatory in Fort Davis, Texas, registered with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Scope of work: Installation of prefabricated restroom building and associated site work & utility enabling the building
Is McDonald Observatory Public Restroom open in Fort Davis?
McDonald Observatory Public Restroom is still under construction in Fort Davis, TX, with an estimated completion of Nov 2026 according to its TDLR registration.
Where is McDonald Observatory Public Restroom located?
McDonald Observatory Public Restroom is located at 3640 Dark Sky Drive McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, TX, 79734, in Jeff Davis County.
Who is the owner or developer of McDonald Observatory Public Restroom?
University of Texas Board of Regents is the property owner/developer of record for McDonald Observatory Public Restroom, per its TDLR project registration.
Who is the architect or design firm for McDonald Observatory Public Restroom?
Parkhill is the design firm of record for McDonald Observatory Public Restroom, according to its TDLR filing.
How much does McDonald Observatory Public Restroom cost and how big is it?
McDonald Observatory Public Restroom has an estimated construction value of $350K and approximately 160 square feet (about $2.19K/sqft), based on its TDLR filing.
Scope of Work
Installation of prefabricated restroom building and associated site work & utility enabling the building
Note: This project is registered under the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS) program. TDLR registration is required for commercial and public facility construction to ensure compliance with accessibility requirements under Texas Government Code Chapter 469.
Location & views
3640 Dark Sky Drive McDonald Observatory, Fort Davis, TX, 79734
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Same Owner
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