Ownership and management

The construction of Biosphere 2 was funded by American businessman Edward P. Bass, who served as chairman and financial director for Space Biospheres Ventures. In 1994 Decisions Investments Corporation, which represented half of Space Biospheres Ventures and was operated and managed by Bass, gained complete control over Biosphere 2, buying out its venture partner Decisions Team, Ltd. Fallout from the disputes that erupted during the second biosphere mission, however, led to the decision in 1994 to lease the property to Columbia University, which led operations until 2003. Under Columbia’s control, Biosphere 2 was converted into a research facility, complete with classrooms and student housing. In 2007 Tucson-based CDO Ranching and Development purchased the property. It was subsequently leased and in 2011 donated to the University of Arizona, which used it for a scientific research institute and for artist-in-residence and public outreach programs.