US$ 20M has been committed to the ongoing Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion Expansion project in Washington State. This additional contribution brings the total donation from the city of Seattle to US$ 54M.
The proposal for the project which aims to increase the aquarium’s waterfront presence was approved back in 2013. The project’s original $113 million budget has since grown to an estimated $160 million. As result, the Seattle Aquarium Society requested an additional $20 million from the city to help keep construction on schedule.
This loan will be repaid by the aquarium with interest once it has had time to recover the money. Reportedly, this will be the city’s final financial contribution to the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion Expansion project.
Opposition to the loan
Before the vote, the public expressed opposition to the idea of the city lending any further funds to something unneeded. This is because Seattle has people who find it difficult to purchase even the most basic housing.
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Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said, “We are supportive of and supporting the aquarium. However, in our duty to the city and many other projects, this is the final time we will grant such financial assistance.”
Mosqueda serves as the chair of the council’s Budget and Finance Committee.
Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion project to increase exhibit space by 40%
The Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion Expansion project aims to increase exhibit space by 40%. Additionally, it will incorporate a number of significant brand-new features for the aquarium, including a Tropical Pacific display. According to Aquarium President Robert Davidson, this new tropical exhibit is anticipated to increase present capacity and increase visitation to 1-1.2 million.
A significant factor in the cost increase is due to Seattle’s waterfront rehabilitation projects. The project included the expansion of parks, walkable sidewalks, and other amenities. Seattle’s waterfront rehabilitation projects got underway after the viaduct was destroyed.
A late addition that has delayed construction is the new public rooftop space on top of the new aquarium building. This change was permitted as part of the revitalization project. The Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion Expansion project is expected to be completed in 2024.
