Seeing the need for facility for the development and testing of Optec astronomical equipment, the Optec Observatory was designed and built in 1993. The observatory was constructed in modular sections and then assembled on site.

The building is a 7 feet (214cm) x 12 feet (366cm) wood frame structure, consisting of an observation deck area, with a 6 feet (183cm) square Control Room. The building exterior is covered with vinyl siding. While the roof is separated into two areas, each using a different roofing material. The roof covering the control room is covered with shingles, but the design of the observation area roof (which necessitates manually opening each roof panel) precludes covering these to panels with shingles which could add weight. The building is installed so that the telescope is nearest to the southern exposure to reduce the instances where the telescope might have to point over roof shingles which may radiate heat for hours into the night.

The roof of the observation deck is a clamshell design, which is opened manually using metal pipes as handles. The two halves open at the peak of the roof and are hinged to the sides of the building.

This roof is made of marine plywood covered with aluminum flashing on top. It is easily maintained, leakproof, and is lighter than shingles. It also has a great benefit in that foreign objects - branches, snow, etc., will not adhere to the surface and hamper the opening of the roof for observations.

Provision for a telescope is made with an isolated concrete pier. The pier is surrounded by, but not in contact with an observation deck which is constructed of treated lumber. While standard interior plywood is used for the walls.

Several work stations are set up around the telescope, along with storage facilities to hold the various filters, cords, and other accessories that may be required for observations and equipment testing.