Babbitt Ranches Marks 140 Years in Flagstaff with Major Clean Energy Milestone

Family business bridges Western Frontier to Space Age by imagining what could be in Arizona's high country.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 8:52am

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The Babbitt family business, founded in 1886, is celebrating 140 years in Flagstaff, Arizona with the groundbreaking of the CO Bar Clēnera Solar and Storage Complex - Arizona's largest solar and battery storage facility. The Babbitt Ranches Community has a long history of innovation, conservation, and community involvement, and this new clean energy project represents the next chapter in the family's legacy of stewardship and vision for the future.

Why it matters

The Babbitt Ranches story is a quintessential American tale of entrepreneurship, perseverance, and commitment to community. As a family business that has endured for over a century and a half, Babbitt Ranches has played a pivotal role in the development of Flagstaff and the surrounding region, while also pioneering innovative approaches to sustainability and clean energy. This milestone clean energy project not only strengthens Arizona's energy grid, but also symbolizes the Babbitt family's ongoing dedication to responsible land management and environmental stewardship.

The details

When the Babbitt brothers first arrived in Flagstaff in 1886, they were initially discouraged by the town's desolate appearance. However, they soon recognized the region's natural beauty and potential, and went on to establish a thriving cattle ranching operation. Over the decades, the Babbitt family has diversified its business interests, participating in everything from trading posts and car dealerships to scientific research and conservation efforts. The family has also been deeply involved in the local community, supporting educational institutions, the arts, and government initiatives. Now, as the ranch celebrates its 140th anniversary, the Babbitt Ranches Community is breaking ground on the CO Bar Clēnera Solar and Storage Complex, a 1,211-megawatt solar farm and 1,000-megawatt battery energy storage facility that will be one of the largest such projects in the nation.

  • The Babbitt brothers first arrived in Flagstaff on April 7, 1886.
  • Babbitt Ranches is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2026.

The players

David Babbitt

One of the five Babbitt brothers who founded the family's cattle ranching business in Flagstaff in 1886.

Billy Babbitt

One of the five Babbitt brothers who founded the family's cattle ranching business in Flagstaff in 1886.

Billy Cordasco

The current President and General Manager of Babbitt Ranches.

Jared Mckee

The CEO of Clēnera, the company partnering with Babbitt Ranches on the CO Bar Solar and Storage Complex.

Doc Brannen

The well-connected town doctor in Flagstaff who helped the Babbitt brothers find their first cattle herd in 1886.

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What they’re saying

“We believe that endurance comes from staying grounded in values, character and guiding principles across generations. We are part of a living community of land, water, air and life – belonging within it and responsible to it. That belonging is both a gift and a calling: to care for what is here today and to carry it forward in strength and beauty for those still to come.”

— Billy Cordasco, President and General Manager, Babbitt Ranches

“That combination of large-scale generation and long-duration storage is what sets the project apart from earlier solar developments. It strengthens Arizona's energy reliability, reduces dependence on fossil fuels and supports a more resilient electrical grid as population growth and energy demand continue to rise.”

— Jared Mckee, CEO, Clēnera

What’s next

Babbitt Ranches is planning a celebratory groundbreaking event for the CO Bar Clēnera Solar and Storage Complex later this year to mark the 140th anniversary of the family business.

The takeaway

The Babbitt Ranches story is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to community and the land. As the family business celebrates 140 years in Flagstaff, its pioneering spirit lives on through innovative clean energy projects that will help shape the future of Arizona and beyond.