I recently have been “lobbying” intensively for the Cleveland Aquarium Group (not associated with Jacobs) to strongly consider taking an adaptive re-use approach in the creation of their new aquarium for Cleveland/N.E. Ohio—in making use of the Galleria— downtown—as a suitable space for an iconic facility Cleveland can be proud of.
The Cleveland Aquarium people were much of the original founders of the old Cleveland Aquarium that used to be located near E. 72nd Street/Gordon Park. A long time associate of mine involved with the group shared the ideas with them for a strong consideration. I have written an essay as to why the Galleria would make a desirable space for this project–as opposed to encroaching on the lake shore—and the sustainability aspects associated with it. If you would like to read the essay, please contact me.
Although I do not believe the Galleria will be the choice of Cleveland Aquarium, I continue to advocate the idea. I will keep people posted.
Included here is a rendering by Vicky Poole, associated with Galleria management, that demonstrates how the aquarium could look as an anchor tenant there, occupying much of the front space.
You can see the circulating waterfalls, the rooftop gardens featuring native Ohio plants as a sample of Ohio’s and Cleveland’s natural heritage. You can also notice the perched platform above the doors that offers a panoramic view of the lake from over E. 9th Street. Additionally, you can see the “people aquarium” bubble windows. Such a rendering was the product of much brainstorming and placing ideas on paper and in picture.
This post was written by a DCA City Advocate. To learn more about the City Advocate Program, please click here.
