Shedd Aquarium, the 5 million gallon aquatic anchor of Chicago's Museum Campus, will undergo a major, multi-phase renovation beginning later this year. This will be the aquarium's $500 million project, an eight year vision called the Centennial Commitment.
The Architect's Newspaper states that the renovation will include:
- Improving visitor accessibility
- Rebuilding of the north terrace
- Enclosure of the lakeside terrace
- Enhancing the aquarium's exhibits and historic galleries
- Restoring myriad original architectural features of the Beaux-Arts-style building designed by Graham, Anderson, Probst & White
Work on the modernization-focused first phase is expected to conclude in 2026. The timing of the 8 year project is deliberate as it is due to wrap up ahead of Shedd's 100th anniversary in 2030.
Valerio Dewalt Train, an architecture firm with offices in Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and Palo Alto, will lead the design of the revamp and will be joined by exhibit design partner Thinc Design, project manager JLL, accessibility partner Institute for Human Centered Design, and diversity, equity and inclusion partner Trinal Inc. The joint venture of Pepper/BMI Construction LLC will serve as general contractor.
According to a press release, Shedd will award subcontracting packages to at least 26 percent and 6 percent MBE/WBE vendors and commit 50 percent of total labor work hours to Chicago residents, with 25 percent of all onsite labor work hours to minority and female workers while also ensuring that hundreds of thousands of dollars go directly into the pockets of nearby Chicagoans This will create greater economic mobility and benefit communities closest to the Museum Campus. Job preferences will be given to residents of the 4th Ward, where the aquarium is located.
The Chicago Tribune reports that Shedd's commitment to connecting people to nature will involve creating new aquarium galleries such as the north gallery, which houses rivers, islands and lakes exhibits, which will be renovated into a Caribbean coral reef habitat within a 40 foot glass tunnel.
Renovation and re-imagination of the aquarium galleries and educational facilities will cost roughly half of the $500 million and take four years to complete. Renovations are expected to be finished in 2026.
Funding will come from endowments and corporate and community gifts, with 80% available now for on-site restoration.
The construction phase of the on-site restoration will create 2,000 jobs. When completed, its economic impact as visitors come from all over and stay overnight in hotels, will be an estimated $360 million annually, according to officials.
Urbanize Chicago states that on the north side of the aquarium, the project will replace the deteriorating North Terrace, expanding it by 10 feet, while using salvaged stone as much as possible. The expansion will allow for a basement to house life support equipment required for the improved large animal habitats.
The exterior Lakeside Terrace will be enclosed for expanded seating for school groups, while including a roof deck at the same level as the North Terrace.
Outside of the North Terrace, the landscaping will provide an overlook patio and pathway connection to the greenspace between the terrace and lakefront trail. Native plantings will also replace trees in poor condition.
The plan will continue through the city's approval process. The work will likely need approvals from the Plan Commission, Committee on Zoning, and City Council.
