Mississippi Aquarium
Project Details
ROLE
General Contractor
CONTRACT AMOUNT
$52 Million
OWNER
Gulfport Redevelopment Commission
LOCATION
Gulfport, MS
ARCHITECT
Eley Guild Hardy Architects
SIZE
63,800 square feet
COMPLETION
2020
Project Description
The Mississippi Aquarium was developed on a 7-acre site and includes seven (7) buildings and seven (7) outdoor exhibits. There are nine (9) water retaining exhibits consisting of approximately one million gallons of both fresh and salt water. Exhibits include alligator and crocodile, freshwater river (fish and turtles), otter, dolphin, aviary, saltwater main tank (fish, rays, crabs, and sharks) and saltwater swirl tank (fish). Main buildings are uniquely shaped and consist of both concrete and steel structures, clad with zinc metal panels resembling fish scales. Support buildings consist of CMU structures with EIFS exteriors. There are three (3) large custom structures symbolizing sails arising from the entry fountain built from structural steel and shot-crete. Wooden boardwalks and themed concrete paving connect the entire campus.
Awards
Mississippi Associated Builders and Contractors Merit Award
Associated General Contractors of Mississippi Build Mississippi Award