Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium is a science museum and aquarium located within a complex of historic riverfront mill buildings in Norwalk, Connecticut. Founded in 1988. its mission is to protect and encourage an appreciation of the Long Island Sound ecosystem and our global environment through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education. The aquarium currently serves approximately 500,000 visitors per year, including 150,000 school children.

In 2017, the aquarium undertook a major expansion and facilities upgrade, largely in response to a proposed railroad bridge replacement project that would claim a major portion of its property and facilities through eminent domain by the State of Connecticut. The phased project included three major building additions, two of which are now complete: a new wing housing a harbor seal exhibit in a two-story, 150,000-gallon, saltwater tank; and a new 4D theater for presenting educational films.

Challenge/Solution

A key challenge of this unique project was the construction of major spaces on a constricted urban site, while remaining open to the public and providing care and support for a population of live animals. Specialized engineering systems were required to accommodate the life support systems for the aquarium animals, construction of aquarium tanks with large windows for public viewing areas, and advanced technology for the special effect movie theater.

Mechanical systems include hydronic variable volume air handling units supplied with hot/chilled water from the building’s central plant through newly installed underground pipe distribution. A dedicated chiller plant, positioned atop the roof, serves the seal life support systems and adjacent support tanks. All mechanical components were specified to withstand corrosion, ensuring optimal functionality in a saltwater and seacoast environment. Tailored plumbing and electrical infrastructure were integrated to facilitate the operation of the 4D theater, inclusive of a water treatment system, compressed air setup, and a special effects distribution network.

Photo credit: © Frederick Charles