Not long after the closure decision was announced, a group of local residents called the Yerkes Future Foundation stepped up to the plate. News release by UChicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation issued jointly at 12:00 noon CST on November 5, 2019: The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) are pleased to announce an agreement in principle for transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory and related property located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin to the Yerkes Future Foundation. Over the next several months, both organizations will be working closely on all aspects … Preparations for the transition have been underway since the announcement in March that the University was searching for a new long-term steward for the observatory. Apart from the main observatory building and the refracting telescope itself, the land and other structures of the Yerkes campus are the property of the University by virtue of other gifts or direct investments of University resources, and are not subject to the terms of the gift from Charles T. Yerkes. The University’s call for Expressions of Interest requests that interested parties submit proposals before June 15. As the University of Chicago proceeds with talks concerning the future of Yerkes Observatory, one point that has arisen is the potential interest among descendants of Charles T. Yerkes, the philanthropist whose gift first established the observatory in the 1890s. For questions and comments, please contact yerkes@uchicago.edu. In order to save the observatory, a group of approximately 45 concerned individuals formed the Yerkes Future Foundation. The University of Chicago has not announced its plans for the future of the 77-acre Yerkes campus in Williams Bay, although it has indicated that talks are underway with the Yerkes Future Foundation. Proposals will be confidential at this stage, and the University will continue to share more information with the Village and others as the process unfolds, in coordination with parties who submit proposals. Douglas said the views expressed at the meeting will be an important consideration as the University continues to evaluates proposals. The transfer to YFF will mark the conclusion of the University’s historic affiliation with Yerkes, allowing the University to make further investments in the future of the field, including projects such as the Giant Magellan Telescope. WILLIAMS BAY — A private foundation dedicated to resurrecting Yerkes Observatory says the group could reopen Yerkes to the general public as soon as this summer. Nov 15 2020 12:22 PM by TimVerst Braved the first frosty forecast of the season Tuesday evening GMT for a couple of hours at the eyepiece under clear South London skies to have a go at sketching the Red Planet before the distance becomes too great. The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) are pleased to announce an agreement in principle for transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory and related property located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, to the Yerkes Future Foundation. The meeting followed the University’s announcement in March that it will wind down its activities at Yerkes and formally cease on-site operations by Oct. 1, 2018. The locally founded Yerkes Future Foundation received the observatory building and its grounds in early May as a gift from the University of Chicago. We will post updates to this site as they become available. YFF and the University have agreed to several long-term loans of the University’s astronomical equipment that YFF may use at Yerkes, including the observatory’s large collection of glass plates and several historically significant artifacts. 5640 S. Ellis Avenue I've been in contact with the head of the local community's Yerkes Future Foundation. Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation … “We heard loud and clear that people do not want the University to approach this as an ordinary real estate transaction, and we agree,” Douglas said. In a proposal to Williams Bay city planners, the Yerkes Future Foundation is seeking a permit to restore and reactivate the historic scientific facility, which closed in 2018. Bruised by community rejection of a 2006 condo-and-hotel plan, the university is working with the Yerkes Future Foundation, a group of local residents seeking to preserve the building and picturesque grounds. 773.702.7950. The Yerkes Future Foundation. In late April the University posted a call for expressions of interest from those wishing to articulate a vision for the observatory’s future, including potential owners. Musings over Mars. The locally founded Yerkes Future Foundation received the observatory building and its grounds in early May as a gift from the University of Chicago. The new organization needs volunteers with time and expertise to move forward the group’s goal of sustaining Yerkes Observatory and turning it into a public museum and education center, said Dianna Colman, chairwoman of the foundation’s seven member core committee. “We are deeply grateful to the Village of Williams Bay and the connection this community has to Yerkes,” Dianna Colman said. He said the University is looking for proposals that balance a number of priorities, including the need for a sustainable operational model, the interest in continued public programming, and suitable financial terms. Under an agreement between a local foundation and the University of Chicago, the university will transfer ownership of Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay to the Yerkes Future Foundation on Friday. Representatives from the University of Chicago listened to a wide range of input from community members in a public meeting about the future of the Yerkes Observatory property in Williams Bay, Wis., on May 18. Public meeting on May 18, 2018 Please use the field below to share your feedback with the University. Yerkes Observatory (/ ˈ j ɜːr k iː z / YUR-keez) is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A.It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2020. They are now in contact with each other. Frequently Asked Questions The Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF)—a group formed by Williams Bay Village residents in May that responded to the University’s call for proposals—remains positive about the future of the observatory, as well as the University’s actions. The mission of the Yerkes Future Foundation (“YFF”) is to preserve and protect Yerkes Observatory, celebrate its history and continue to foster its goals of research, education and astronomical observation by providing the opportunity to engage to all. Surprising Stuff The Yerkes Observatory is in trouble again. The Yerkes Future Foundation was created by area civic and business leaders with the intention of gaining control of the observatory reopening it to the public. YFF will receive a share from the proceeds of the sale of the rezoned lakefront lots per the Yerkes Observatory donation agreement. The meeting will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Williams Bay High School is located at 500 W. Geneva St., Williams Bay, Wis. UChicago representatives speak at village meeting in Williams Bay, Wis. “It’s in great shape for being 123 years old,” said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Dianna Colman and is located at Po Box 346, Williams Bay, WI 53191. The university opened the observatory in 1897 and closed it … The University will continue to operate the telescopes at Yerkes after the closure to ensure the Observatory can continue to be used for astronomical research and investigation, and the large collection of glass photographic plates will continue to be available to researchers by appointment. Speakers at that meeting expressed support for the observatory’s educational programs, along with concerns about the potential for high-density residential development on the site. When the Yerkes people came to town,... Read More. The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation have released the following joint statement: The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) are pleased to announce an agreement in principle for transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory and related property located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin to the Yerkes Future Foundation. October 1892 October 4, 1892, at Yerkes' office on 444 North Clark Street, Hale presents Yerkes with the opportunity to finance the building of the World’s Largest Telescope.Yerkes is informed of the recognition that James Lick received in founding the Lick Observatory and views the available disks as an opportunity to create a lasting legacy. The University of Chicago is in the final steps of a plan to close Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. to the public as of Oct. 1, 2018. Yerkes Observatory new owners have restoration plan. As part of the process to engage the community about the future of the Yerkes property, the University of Chicago will hold a public meeting at Williams Bay High School on Friday, May 18, 2018. Thanks to the University of Chicago and its many Yerkes employees and scientists through the years, Yerkes has been well-maintained, and our goals include enhancing the magnificence of its structure, telescopes and grounds to continue its historic tourism appeal, and to maximize its educational and scientific potential as a forward-looking inspiration to generations of young scientific hopefuls.”. Dianna Colman of the Yerkes Future Foundation says the group is launching a big fundraising campaign to … Yerkes Future Foundation, education and historic preservation, Williams Bay. The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. More than 300 people came to the public meeting in Williams Bay, with questions and comments from about 30 individuals and 42 written comment cards. “The people who attended made important points for us to consider, and the tone of the discussion was extremely respectful and constructive. For questions or comments about our programming, contact WPR’s Audience Services at 1-800-747-7444, email to listener@wpr.org or use our Listener Feedback form. The University has been seeking proposals for the future of Yerkes since late April, according to the Division of the Physical Sciences website. Additional information will be made available as appropriate. Two organizations have asked to remain anonymous at this time. About Yerkes Future Foundation & Yerkes Observatory. Yerkes Future Foundation, education and historic preservation, Williams Bay. 'Today’s A Big Day': Wisconsin’s Yerkes Observatory Has New Ownership, Wisconsin Educational Communications Board. “It’s in great shape for being 123 years old,” said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. About Yerkes Future Foundation. May 4, 2020 - 8:55am. In line with community priorities, the University is not considering any high-density development. News release by UChicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation issued jointly at 12:00 noon CST on November 5, 2019: The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) are pleased to announce an agreement in principle for transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory and related property located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin to the Yerkes Future Foundation. Chicago, IL 60637 The University welcomes your questions or comments regarding the Yerkes property. Out of respect for the descendants’ wishes, the University agreed not to disclose their names and connection at the time. Over the next several months, both organizations will be working closely on all aspects of the proposed transfer. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is located in WILLIAMS BAY, WI and has an annual revenue of $0. The university donated the observatory, several telescopes and 49 acres near Geneva Lake to the Yerkes Future Foundation – created in 2018 by a group of local residents. It was previously owned by the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. Throughout this process the University has sought to balance a number of priorities, including the need for a sustainable operational model, the community’s interest in continued public programming, and sustainable financial terms. In addition to YFF’s global outreach, YFF will also welcome members of the UChicago community to continue their distinct connection with Yerkes. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is located in WILLIAMS BAY, WI and has an annual revenue of $0. Douglas said there were a number of themes in the comments, including concern over who might purchase the property, the observatory’s valued role in education programs, and questions about how the University will evaluate proposals. The University of Chicago announced in March that it would close the observatory to the public---but---maintain a minimal operation for educational and research programs. It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2020. As introduced at the Plan Commission meeting in March, the University is seeking approval on the rezoning of the lakefront property to three residential lots. The University will continue to occasionally operate the telescopes at Yerkes to ensure the Observatory can continue to be used for  research and education, and the large collection of glass photographic plates will continue to be available to researchers by appointment via the department Astronomy and Astrophysics. University of Chicago Seeks Expressions of Interest in Yerkes Observatory  University of Chicago to transfer of ownership of Yerkes Observatory to Yerkes Future Foundation. A small group of Geneva Lake residents formed the Yerkes Future Foundation in 2018, shortly after the University’s announcement that it would seek a new long-term steward for the observatory. For Dianna Colman, chairman of the Yerkes Future Foundation, the observatory has long been part of her life as a Williams Bay resident. The Yerkes Future Foundation took over ownership of the observatory and roughly 50 acres of surrounding land on Friday, May 1. David Fithian, who has led the transfer process for the University of Chicago, said having a successor organization that is dedicated to Yerkes and the community provides an appropriate new chapter for the observatory. About a year ago (March 2018), they announced an October 1st closure of Yerkes to the public and continued to look for a way to dispose of the property. It reflects the commitment of both groups to be responsive to the interests of the Village of Williams Bay community, and the importance of providing a sound foundation for YFF as it prepares to lead Yerkes into the future. Yerkes Future Foundation, education and historic preservation, Williams Bay. For over a … Talks are continuing with the Yerkes Future Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Williams Bay. The University has been seeking proposals for the future of Yerkes since late April, according to the Division of the Physical Sciences website. The company's filing status is listed as Incorporated/Qualified and its File Number is Y005047. Two organizations have asked to remain anonymous at this time. For technical questions or comments about WPR’s website, streaming or other digital media products, please use our Website Feedback form. UChicago activities at Yerkes Observatory to end in 2018. The University of Chicago this week will transfer ownership of Yerkes Observatory and related property located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin to the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF). Yerkes Future Foundation, Inc. is a Wisconsin Nonstock Corporation filed on June 4, 2018. “GLAS is independent of the Yerkes Future Foundation, and that has caused some confusion. We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory. The Yerkes Future Foundation News 'Today’s A Big Day': Wisconsin’s Yerkes Observatory Has New Ownership. It helps that the organization can now be forthright about engaging in talks with UChicago. The three new residential lots will provide an expanded tax base for the Village of Williams Bay. Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes Obervatory for nearly 30 years, controls the dome's movable roof panels with an electric control switch at the 1890's-era research facility in Williams Bay on June 10. Yerkes Proposal Process - PDF. The Yerkes Future Foundation Steps In. Leaders from the University and YFF discussed terms of the agreement in March at a meeting of the Village of Williams Bay Plan Commission. The Yerkes Future Foundation took over ownership of the Yerkes observatory and some land on Friday, May 1. Dianna Colman of the Yerkes Future Foundation said the foundation and university in October reached an “agreement in principle” for the transfer of ownership after about 18 months of negotiations. Not long after the closure decision was announced, a group of local residents called the Yerkes Future Foundation stepped up to the plate. As we have indicated in public forums, the University understands that comprehensive plans for Yerkes may require approval by the Village of Williams Bay’s Board of Trustees. The Yerkes Future Foundation was created by area civic and business leaders with the intention of gaining control of the observatory reopening it to the public. The Yerkes Future Foundation would like to thank everyone for their support and encouragement over the past two years. All tours and public events at the observatory have ceased. Yerkes Observatory, the birthplace of modern astrophysics where Carl Sagan, Edwin Hubble and a pair of Nobel laureates studied galaxies, stars … We recognize that Yerkes means a great deal for many people, and this meeting reflected that.” It was previously owned by the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. The mission of the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) is to preserve and protect the Yerkes Observatory and enhance and expand the experience visitors have on the site. © 2020 by Wisconsin Public Radio, a service of the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The Registered Agent on file for this company is Dianna Colman and is located at Po Box 346, Williams Bay, WI 53191. Ditto for the chairman of the physics department at Northern Illinois University which is not far from Yerkes Observatory. The University also will make a significant monetary donation of seed funding for YFF at the time of transfer. The University of Chicago and the Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) are pleased to announce an agreement … This is to be followed by an additional cash donation by the University, drawing on proceeds from the planned sale of three rezoned parcels of University-owned lakefront property, for which the University’s applications are currently pending with the Village. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is a Educational Institutions and Related Activities organization that provides assistance in the form of Charitable Organization. Yerkes Future Foundation, education and historic preservation, Williams Bay. Educational Outreach Programs Plan for closing Yerkes Observatory to public nears completion, as UChicago continues to seek new long-term steward. Keep updated on the latest news and information. "It's in great shape for being 123 years old," said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. The Yerkes Future Foundation took over ownership of the Yerkes observatory and some land on Friday, May 1. … YFF is dedicated to restoring the great, historic observatory as a monument to American achievements in astronomy and as an operating scientific and educational institution capable of carrying Yerkes’ contributions into the future. Low-density residential use is being explored as part of a long-term plan for some of the land. Two organizations have asked to remain anonymous at this time. Yerkes Observatory closed in October 2018 and in November 2019 an announcement was made by Yerkes Future Foundation about an agreement in principle with the University of Chicago for transfer of ownership of the observatory and related property.On Feb. 25, representatives from the foundation and university are expected at a Village of Williams Bay Plan Commission meeting. “We are grateful to the people of Williams Bay for welcoming us to their community for this meeting,” Douglas said. Bruised by community rejection of a 2006 condo-and-hotel plan, the university is working with the Yerkes Future Foundation, a group of local residents seeking to preserve the building and picturesque grounds. The Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis. is now closed to the public. The university also donated an undisclosed amount of seed money to help the Yerkes Future Foundation begin the preservation and care duties of the property. The company's filing status is listed as Incorporated/Qualified and its File Number is Y005047. The University continues to evaluate and pursue options for the long-term operation of the Yerkes campus. In making its rezoning proposal, the University listened closely to longstanding community concerns about high-density residential development. YFF’s objectives include restoration and refurbishing of the telescopes and building, reopening the space for visitors and establishing educational, research, seminars and various additional opportunities for students, astronomers, astrophysicists and others. We are excited to begin the next phase of restoration, preservation, programming and research at this historic observatory.Please check this site frequently for updates and information. In 2018 the Yerkes Future Foundation was formed by a group of concerned citizens to save this iconic structure from certain demise by developers. Yerkes Observatory (/ ˈ j ɜːr k iː z / YUR-keez) is an astronomical observatory located in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.A.It was operated by the University of Chicago Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics from its founding in 1897 to 2020. The University will share any plan for the future of the observatory with the Village of Williams Bay’s Board of Trustees. GLAS, Geneva Lake Astrophysics and STEAM (STEM + art), ensures that former Yerkes Observatory Education Outreach programs, activities, and research, continue. Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes Obervatory for nearly 30 years, controls the dome's movable roof panels with an electric control switch at the 1890's-era research facility in Williams Bay on June 10. In a proposal to Williams Bay city planners, the Yerkes Future Foundation is seeking a permit to restore and reactivate the historic scientific facility, which closed in 2018. “Our hope is to maintain and develop this beautiful and important observatory as a jewel in the crown of this community for generations to come.”. On March 7, 2018, the University of Chicago announced that it will end its activities at Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wis., by Oct. 1, 2018. The foundation is working with the University of Chicago on … A small cloud may have drifted over the future of the historic Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay. The UChicago representatives were Derek Douglas, Vice President for Civic Engagement and External Affairs, and Edward W. Kolb, Dean of the Division of Physical Sciences. This round of Solar for Good grants features a diverse group of organizations from across Wisconsin. This round of Solar for Good grants features a diverse group of organizations from across Wisconsin. At a public meeting held by the Village of Williams Bay, representatives from the University of Chicago took questions from the Village Board of Directors and heard comments from the public about the Yerkes property. Under an agreement between a local foundation and the University of Chicago, the university will transfer ownership of Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay to the Yerkes Future Foundation on Friday. As part of this effort, the University will continue ongoing talks about the observatory’s future with interested parties, including representatives of Charles T. Yerkes’ descendants, the Village of Williams Bay, and the Yerkes Future Foundation, a non-profit organization located in Williams Bay. Yerkes Future Foundation Inc. is currently unrated by Charity Navigator. Please check this site frequently for updates and information. Students and faculty in the University of Chicago’s Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics have continued to do educational and research work at Yerkes Observatory in the past year. “We are a small, community-focused foundation,” said YFF Chairwoman Dianna Colman, “but our ambitions for Yerkes are not only local and regional, but national and international. Along with other visitors from around the world, YFF will welcome UChicago scientists, librarians, and students to continue projects and collaboration at Yerkes in the months and years ahead. Yerkes Future Foundation, Inc. is a Wisconsin Nonstock Corporation filed on June 4, 2018. "It's in great shape for being 123 years old," said Ed Struble, who has been the director of building and grounds at Yerkes for nearly 30 years and is continuing that role with the foundation. As part of the transfer, scheduled for May 1, the University is donating to YFF the historic observatory campus, which includes the observatory building including the large telescopes, and other property on the site. Inquiries concerning these programs should be directed to GLAS Education (email: info@glaseducation.org, website: https://www.glaseducation.org). UChicago holds public meeting on future of Yerkes Observatory property The University of Chicago has not announced its plans for the future of the 77-acre Yerkes campus in Williams Bay, although it has indicated that talks are underway with the Yerkes Future Foundation. Ownership was transferred to the non-profit Yerkes Future Foundation (YFF) in May, 2020. Educational outreach programs previously offered through the University of Chicago’s Yerkes Observatory will move from the observatory after September 30, 2018 to a new location in Williams Bay, WI. The Yerkes Future Foundation Steps In. A small group of Geneva Lake residents formed the Yerkes Future Foundation in 2018, shortly after the University’s announcement that it would seek a new long-term steward for the observatory.