The New Aquarium
Efforts were initiated in 1999 to expand the existing Aquarium physically. As it became clear that the Academy lacked the financial ability to undertake such a project, the State of New Jersey (who owns the buildings and the land) began to look for potential investors, developers, and operators for the aquarium.
In 2003, Columbus, Ohio-based Steiner + Associates began negotiations on a lease agreement for the existing Aquarium and a development contract for the lands that surround it. The principal design and construction of a large addition on the north side of the building began in the winter of 2004. The Academy continued to operate the facility until September 7, 2004, when the doors were closed to allow a complete renovation of the existing structure.
As Steiner Entertainment took control of most operational aspects of the building (Guest Services, Marketing, Finance, Graphic Design, and Husbandry), the Academy remained to operate the Education and Research/Conservation departments. ARAMARK took over food services, and Securitas) took over security of the facility.
Read more about this topic: Adventure Aquarium
Famous quotes containing the word aquarium:
“The Aquarium is gone. Everywhere,
giant finned cars nose forward like fish;
a savage servility
slides by on grease.”
—Robert Lowell (1917–1977)