About Us
Unconventional Concepts and the Site
The Adirondack research site in Lewis, New York is a private facility built around a former missile silo that dates back to the 1960s, when it was part of the nation’s thermonuclear defense system. Today, the site remains in use as a controlled research location and has been active in its current role since 2017. This is not new construction or a new development. It is the continued use of an existing site for system testing in a managed and limited way.
Unconventional Concepts, Inc. (UCI) operates the site and has made ongoing investments in both the property and the surrounding area. This includes maintaining the land, supporting local groups that help care for the Adirondacks, and contributing to efforts that protect the natural environment. The company participates in a New York State 480-a forest management plan, a long-term agreement focused on responsible land stewardship. This program involves working with forest rangers to manage tree health, maintain the forest, and support conservation goals.
UCI has also supported local history and community resources. This includes donating a launch control console to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum, helping preserve the region’s Cold War history and making it accessible to the public. Through these efforts, UCI uses established land management practices and community support to guide how the property is cared for. This reflects a continued commitment to stewardship, conservation, and respect for both the land and the local community.
The project itself is designed to fit within the Adirondacks, not change them. It uses existing structures and cleared areas, with no large-scale construction or expansion. Sound from testing is brief and similar to familiar rural noise, like distant thunder or a passing truck. Over time, the site has also been cleaned and restored, including the removal of large amounts of waste from the silo. This is a practical use of land that already exists—grounded in the site’s long history and carried out in a way that is controlled, responsible, and respectful of the surrounding environment and community. Portions of the silo have also been donated to the local Air Force museum for historic purposes.
About Unconventional Concepts, Inc.
The project is associated with Unconventional Concepts Inc., a company that has been active in research, site improvement, and community support in the area for several years. Their work has focused not only on technical research, but also on taking care of the property and contributing to the local community in meaningful ways.
Over time, the company has invested in restoring and improving the site, including removing more than 150 tons of waste from the silo and cleaning and filtering water on the property. They have also supported local businesses, worked with emergency services, and provided resources for training and disaster response. Additional efforts include donations to local programs, support for veterans’ initiatives, and helping bring visitors and research activity into the area.
You can learn more about the company and its work below.
Our Work in the Adirondack Community
The ADK National Security Research Center site, operated by Unconventional Concepts, Inc., has supported the local community in Lewis, New York and the surrounding Adirondack region through environmental cleanup, local investment, and direct support for community services.sustainable world for future generations.
Support for Local Economy and Businesses
- Removed over 150 tons of waste from the former silo site
- Drained and filtered water to improve site conditions
- Cleaned debris from surrounding land and forest areas
- Supported forest health by allowing environmental surveys and monitoring
- Maintained the property to reduce long-term environmental impact
Education Programs
- Employed local workers and contractors
- Supported small businesses in the Lewis, NY area
- Funded local services such as crane work and infrastructure improvements
- Helped bring visitors and research partners into the region, supporting local establishments
- Assisted with internet access improvements for nearby residents
Public Safety and Emergency Support
- Provided training and support for local fire departments
- Supplied equipment and resources for emergency response
- Stockpiled water resources for wildfire response and drought support
- Supported cadaver dog training and local response capabilities
- Coordinated with state and regional emergency teams
Support for Military, Veterans, and Public Service
- Donated a historic launch control console to a regional Air Force museum
- Supported National Guard training and exercises
- Provided training and support to specialized law enforcement units
- Contributed to local veterans’ memorial efforts and community recognition programs
Education and Community Engagement
- Supported training opportunities for service academies and students
- Hosted community and historical events, including a large reunion for former missile personnel
- Donated to youth and local community programs
- Shared technical expertise with state and local agencies at no cost
Ongoing Commitment to the Adirondack Community
These efforts reflect a long-term commitment to responsible land use, environmental stewardship, and community support in the Adirondacks. The goal is to ensure that the site continues to contribute positively to the local area while maintaining respect for the land and the people who live there.
Launch control console to the Plattsburgh Air Force Base Museum