Circa 2000, several fortuitous events occurred from relationships established by President John McAnally and Sterling Thompson, Architect. A 5-acre dark-sky site was donated by Charles and Dorothy Turner from a corner of their ranch to become the Turner Research Station (TRS). Funding for an observatory with a 24-inch telescope was acquired and named after the donors, thus becoming the Paul & Jane Meyer Observatory (PJMO). A telescope camera was gifted by Michael Power (lasting 10 years) and camera #2 was given by Ralph S. Miller. Other contributions of flooring and counter tops by WilsonArt International and many other donors were significant in completing the interior of the building. During the PJMO construction, six separate camp sites (with electricity) were also added. First light of the 24-inch telescope was in November 2004, and the first science project, imaging the NASA Comet Impact event, occurred in July 2005.

The Society then established a relationship with the University of Texas at Austin and McDonald Observatory to assist in their research of pulsating white dwarf stars. This introduced CTAS to the Whole Earth Telescope (WET) concept, and that research continues today in collaboration with the University of Delaware. In addition, CTAS has partnered with Baylor University to sponsor summer research projects for undergraduates, and continues a collegial relationship with Baylor.

Within ten years Willie Strickland (now operated by Doug Peters) and Aubrey Brickhouse built two private mini observatories near PJMO. Contributions continued also from Alice Chandler and family for an Auxiliary Building that included much needed storage plus two accessible bathrooms. Many members contributed time, energy, and resources to the success of the new property and observatory including three past presidents who served multiple years in the very early years (Dean Chandler, Aubrey Brickhouse, and Dick Campbell).