The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

Address: 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT

Services: Construction Management

Construction Type: Nonprofit

Size: 30,000 sf

Architect: Beyer Blinder Belle

Award: 2022 AGC CT Build Award – Construction Management/General Contractor: Mid-Size Renovation

Project Description:

• Construction consisted of two separate additions that were built around a fully operational aquarium that is open to the public year-round. The project included a 12,000-square-foot 4D theater addition, a 12,000-square-foot live seal exhibit, and new egress stairs.
• The 169-seat 4D theater features 3D digital projection, proprietary 4D sensory seats, and other in-theater entertainment equipment, as well as a concession stand and a new entrance canopy. The new theater is multipurpose and has a stage for lectures and other presentations.
• The live seal exhibit addition reaches the original exhibit’s balcony level and is fully enclosed by a new exterior wall. It includes a new 150,000-gallon saltwater tank, life support systems, surgical room, and holding tanks for seals. The tank also features a 2-level glass viewing enclosure.
• The project also included the 6,100-square-foot expansion of the meerkat exhibit located on the second level of the aquarium.
• Construction Management services included: budgeting, value engineering, constructability reviews, logistical and safety planning, scheduling, mock-up facilitation, material procurement, subcontractor bid & award, and construction.