Acquisition Paves Way for Aquarium Expansion

BALTIMORE-News has emerged that the National Aquarium has made plans to acquire 20 acres in the city to accommodate development of its new Center for Aquatic Life and Conservation in South Baltimore. The city’s Board of Estimates is expected to rule on the proposed land purchase today. If all goes as planned, the first phase of the project–which would include a 140,000-sf animal care center with meeting space and space for educational and conservation programs–should reach completion in 2008.

The land deal will cost an estimated $8 million, a price that includes the relocation of an existing city repair garage; while phase one will price out at $35 million. Additional phases at the site are expected to produce an animal rescue center, research lab, and potentially, a hotel and conference center. The entire campus development project is expected to cost $110 million.