Group dives into campaign to raise money for new Cleveland aquarium

Monday, January 09, 2006

John C. Kuehner

Plain Dealer Reporter

 

This could be the dawning of the Age of Aquarium in Cleveland.

 

A group of fin-minded residents plans to launch a campaign this year to raise up to $33 million for a salt- and fresh-water aquarium to be built either on the shore of Lake Erie or the bank of the Cuyahoga River.

 

The concept is a self-supporting, moderate size building, similar in space to the RainForest exhibit at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. It would have four times the exhibit space of the old Cleveland Aquarium, which closed in 1985.

 

Exhibits would feature fish in their natural ecosystems, such as the Amazon River, Great Lakes and the Pacific Rim, and include mammals, such as river otters, dolphins and seals.

 

Many details have yet to be worked out, said Christopher Bonar, president of Cleveland Aquarium Inc., a nonprofit group formed in 1999 with the goal of establishing and running an aquarium.

 

more at:  http://www.cleveland.com

 

 

Sites under consideration are on the east bank of the Cuyahoga River in the Flats, and Dock 20 and Dock 32, which are on Lake Erie near the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, Bonar said.

 

I vote for the East Bank. I think it could complement Wolstein's plans well, and increase the area's draw among non-residents. Also cool that they're reusing the old Sea World stuff.

 

Thanks for posting MTS! :wave:

Stellar news, I think it could ancor any flats/scranton revival.

what about the West Bank, north of the Power House?  Or somewhere on Whiskey Island?  Part of me says we should add this to the cluster of tourist attractions along the North Coast on the east side of the river, but there's a part of me that says we have enough amenities there already with the stadium, RRHOF and GLSC and maybe we need to concentrate on some other uses that are more than just "destinations."

Why does it have to go on a waterfront?  Are they going to have some sort of in situ exhibit of Lake Erie or Cuyahoga River aquatic life?  If not, then why put a huge, most likely windowless facility on view property.  It's not a good use of those spots.

Why does it have to go on a waterfront?  Are they going to have some sort of in situ exhibit of Lake Erie or Cuyahoga River aquatic life?  If not, then why put a huge, most likely windowless facility on view property.  It's not a good use of those spots.

 

THEN WHERE DO YOU BUILD IT???  In the middle of a neighborhood, thats not near water?  Towercity (oh hell no!)??  Muni Lot?  The West Bank of the Flats?

 

One question/comment is I think we should build the largest aquarium in the worldas we are on the GREAT LAKES and it should be a signature building, complementing the RRHoF and GLS.

I'd put it at Dock 32, next to where the Mather has been relocated. It keeps North Coast Harbor a museum area, which is not a 24-hour land use. Developing mixed use west of North Coast Harbor ensures that that area will be a 24-hour neighborhood. Adding an aquarium to a neighborhood weakens it, in my opinion.

Well, again, I think the question is if the aquarium needs to be, or gains any significant advantage from being on the lake or riverfront.  If not then I actually think that Muni Lot is perhaps a wonderful place for the aquarium.  I think that the aquarium could also be built somewhere in the flats, not on the river's edge, or in the quadrangle, or to the southern edge of Burke, if it moves. 

 

I would put "retail-like" functions of the aquarium (gift shops, cafeteria, ticket office) on the ground floor, with entrances and windows to the street.  That way, it could fit into the context of a neighborhood better, even though the bulk of the building would have no windows (again, that is an assumption I am making).

 

If there is going to be some sort of in situ display of The Cuyahoga River's or Lake Erie's coastal habitat, then I think it is a wonderful use of lake or riverfront property.  Perhaps the aquarium could be integrated with the idea of reef rebuilding or green bulkheads that have been proposed for the Cuyahoga turning those things into both public displays and testbeds for environmental engineering principals.

The worlds largest aquarium opened just a couple of months ago in Atlanta, and it was primarily financed by a single 200 million dollar donation from a co-founder of Home Depot.  I don't see where we'd come up with hundreds of millions of dollars for an aquarium of such a magnitude. 

 

I don't think it would really have to be windowless.  There could be an inner and outer area of the aquarium with walking corridors and other non light sensitive areas on the outside.  My favorite exhibit at SeaWorld was always the shallow water habitats that were housed in a building built partially over the water and was also more or less an open air exhibit.  That would be worth the price of admission several times over for me if they would recreate something like that.

 

Maybe if it's decided that the new convention center should be at TowerCity the aquarium could be an alternative use?  Not an idea I favor for a site for the CC or an aquarium but if the situation presents itself, you make do.

Atlanta?  I don't recall Atlanta having any natural bodies of water anywhere near it!  After reading KJP's post, I have to agree with him that an aquarium is not the most suitable attraction to build in a 24-hour neighborhood. They do stink!  That said, I'd support it being somewhere around North Coast Harbor, but what about Gordon Park or Edgwater Park?  I know access isn't as good, but parking would be a heck of a lot cheaper!  Gordon Park just learned that it won't be gaining the investment of a Salvation Army Kroc Community Center, so they've got some land open for somethnig along these lines and it was, afterall, where the original aquarium was located.

I would like it to be at the North Coast Harbor.  We need to create a greater critical mass of tourist attractions that can support restaurants, retail, etc.  If we place it by itself in Gordon Park, then it would be difficult to convince the tourist to 'stay' and check out other interesting and vibrant attractions.  Overall, I would like to create an interesting experience for the visitor. Give him a reason to say 'this is a cool city.'  For this reason, I favor a location close to the Rock Hall and Science Center.  One more thing--we would really need to create some sort of public space that invites the tourist to stroll around or sit and people watch.  Voinovich Park is sufficient.  It would be nice to have some sort of promenade or plaza that connected the museums.  --a place where vendors can sell their t-shirts and teenage hippies play guitars and ask for tips.  This could be done if we calmed the shoreway..

Put it in the old Howard Johnson's on East 55th!  :-P

 

BTW, I don't think the Salvation Army said their open-access rec center wasn't going to happen. It just didn't win funding this time around. I suspect there's a backlog of similar projects awaiting funding.

... And not to rain on any parades, but aquariums, much like state-of-the-art convention centers, are a dime a dozen these days. It seems every city feels an obligation to build one. I'd like to see Cleveland focus on projects that can't be found in other cities, setting the pace instead of trying to catch up. What would those projects be? I'll have to think about that when I have more time!

... And not to rain on any parades, but aquariums, much like state-of-the-art convention centers, are a dime a dozen these days. It seems every city feels an obligation to build one. I'd like to see Cleveland focus on projects that can't be found in other cities, setting the pace instead of trying to catch up. What would those projects be? I'll have to think about that when I have more time!

 

I don't think this is a "catchup" project, I think it goes nicely with the GLSC. It appears, these folks have been working hard behind the scenes for years.  However, we must make it clear with this addition, wherever it's built, needs to come other interesting "unique" things to keep people in the area

There have been a lot of aquariums that have come on hard times as people seek out the biggest and best.  Chattanooga is shaking in its boots now that Atlanta has the largest.  Baltimore's is not faring so well.  For these reasons, I am glad that we are being less ambitious and not aiming to make this the greatest fish show on earth.  I would like this to be a nice complement to other museums in a well-planned museum district on the lakefront.

Count me in for the North Coast on this one.  It would compliment the Science Center perfectly.  Families are most apt to go to the science center.  Why not put another family oriented attraction nearby???  The Rock Hall is definitely not family oriented.  I would say most families visit GLSC and then leave.  Giving them another option would help build a following for both venues and perhaps keep visitors Downtown longer.  Hopefully, this would create more development along the Coast as the Shoreway is rebuilt. An aquarium would be a great addition to the region and I see the North Coast as the most viable option.

While I enjoy an occasional visit to a good aquarium, can Cleveland support it? 

 

I have three young kids and there is a huge variety of museums in the Cleveland area that are great for getting stir-crazy kids out of the house for a while on a weekend to do something fun.  The GLSC, the Natural History Museum, the Botanical Garden, the Cleveland Zoo (the Rainforest is great in the winter) and the Cleveland Museum of Art, are just a few.  Not to mention the quality of the orchestra and theatre programs available in Cleveland.  The number of quality museums in Cleveland is incredible.

 

The Children's Museum, however, is far worse than the ones in Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and Indianapolis.  (We haven't traveled to those cities just to visit those museums, but they've provided a great way to spend time with friends and family in those cities while entertaining the kids at the same time.  Cleveland's is an embarrassment.) 

 

The Children's Museum probably isn't the only one wishing for more funding (wasn't there talk of the Crawford Auto Museum moving to a new building by the lake at one time?)  But there is only so much that the community can contribute.  I think our money is better spent maintaining and improving the quality of the existing museums.

^ I think that  is a valid point. Unless the fundraisers are talented at bringing in funds from non-local sources, our local foundations can only do so much.  That said, if they are able to raise enough money to build a quality aquarium that can be supported by a modest endowment, then I say more power to them.

 

Our Children's Museum is pretty bad.  It almost appears to be redundant.  Healthspace Cleveland (a poorly located museum) and the GLSC are very kid-oriented.

 

The Crawford Auto-Aviation museum ran into many problems.  I really liked the concept (telling the story of the industrial rise of Cleveland), but the design was horrible. The city didn't like its design and wasn't willing to give it the space that it needed on the waterfront. Overall, the WRHS is financially strapped and won't be expanding anytime soon.

I would put the Aquarium as close to the GLSC as possible with tie-ins likely and perhaps control.  Don't forget that Northcoast land area is going to be used for the Trolley museum. 

  I don't think aquariums are terrible they're basically just zoos.  I would hate to see a publically financed aquarium though.  So perhaps some consortium of GLSC, Cleve Zoo, Nat History museum, and Aquarium group with deep pocket donors and developers it should be viable without needing to make it the biggest in the US.  Biggest in Ohio or even Northeast Ohio should suffice..

I also think it should somehow be linked with the Sciene Center. $30mil+ isn't likely to make it anything too spectacular, but being able to link it with the GLSC with educational programs and whatnot would definately give the aquariam a one-up on aquatic facilites that focus solely on tourism. Perhaps it should be collaborative w/ Metroparks Zoo, GRSC, Natural History Museum, Case, CSU, Tri-C, etc. and focus mainly on enviromental/watershed/lake erie research and education. To be honest, I could give a rat's ass about salt water habitat; I think a facility that devised ways to restore the Great Lakes to a more natural state would better serve Cleveland's needs and interests.

There also is the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center in Bay Village which is a terrific place for people of all ages to visit. While it's not an aquarium or a zoo, it has some features of each. Check out:

 

http://www.lensc.org/

... And not to rain on any parades, but aquariums, much like state-of-the-art convention centers, are a dime a dozen these days. It seems every city feels an obligation to build one. I'd like to see Cleveland focus on projects that can't be found in other cities, setting the pace instead of trying to catch up. What would those projects be? I'll have to think about that when I have more time!

 

I agree.  Of all the things that could make Cleveland a great city, an aquarium is low on my list.  If it happens, fine.

 

Atlanta?  I don't recall Atlanta having any natural bodies of water anywhere near it! 

 

Why does everyone think that an aquarium has to be right on a natural body of water?  What does the aquarium really gain by it?  And does it really make for the best possible waterfront?

I think that its optimal to have it very close to a body of water. There is a natural connection that lends legitimacy to the aquarium and reinforces the mysterious world that lies beneath the lake's surface.  But, please don't block the views of the river/lake.

Like many ohters, my vote is for it to be in the North Coast area, close to the GLSC.

 

I think they should also include the old Euclid Beach Carousel in that area as well.

 

If all those amenities come to life and if the proposed ferryboat to Canada becomes a reality...the North Coast would truly be Rockin' and Rollin'

Atlanta?  I don't recall Atlanta having any natural bodies of water anywhere near it!

 

Why does everyone think that an aquarium has to be right on a natural body of water?  What does the aquarium really gain by it?  And does it really make for the best possible waterfront?

 

 

that was my point!  of all the places where a city would need to create an aquatic environment for people to experience something new, Atlanta makes a lot of sense!  we could do a lot better to make our natural water systems more functional and more interactive...this is where I'd rather see the money spent.  It's hard for me to rationalize spending millions of dollars to create a fictitious aquatic habitat when the fish in lake erie and up the cuyahoga are struggling to survive.

that was my point!  of all the places where a city would need to create an aquatic environment for people to experience something new, Atlanta makes a lot of sense!  we could do a lot better to make our natural water systems more functional and more interactive...this is where I'd rather see the money spent.  It's hard for me to rationalize spending millions of dollars to create a fictitious aquatic habitat when the fish in lake erie and up the cuyahoga are struggling to survive.

MisterGoodDay (AKA MillerGenuineDraft  :drunk:) the river/lake are cleaner than they have been in decades, so i'm not exactly sure what you mean by "struggling"?  Why can't the aquarium be an institution of learning that also enhances our natural bodies of water and help them become more interactive?  The new aquarium CAN be A PART of the solution for correcting this and connecting people with our greatest natural asset!

Cleaner, but not yet where they should be by any standard...

 

I agree that the aquarium would help to educate people about water ecosystems and the species that live in them, but I'd still rather see the money spent on creative and impactful efforts to actually repair our natural systems.  That's not to say that this money is an "either/or" sort of thing...I'm just making a general comment. 

 

Of course I'd love it if we had a great aquarium.  And if we did, I would hope that part of its function would be to work diligently on the natural systems in our region through research, education and implementation.  That's all.

The article is a few days old, but it mentions a public meeting that will happen tomorrow (I have highlighted that info).  From the 10/5/06 News Sun:

 

 

Group continues efforts for Cleveland aquarium

Thursday, October 05, 2006

By Shelly Guerra

The News Sun

 

A grassroots organization determined to keep its goal afloat by bringing an aquarium to back to Cleveland may consider themselves little fish in a big pond, but it isn't stopping them from taking the plunge.

 

A group called the Cleveland Aquarium Inc. has pounded the pavement since 1999 to convince Clevelanders that bringing an aquarium to the city's waterfront would be an asset. They've met with local clubs, associations, hobbyist groups and local governments in an effort to get their message across and to gain support. One of the group's next stops is a visit with the Berea Town Forum group on Oct. 11.

 

Berea resident Russ Hill, a member of the Cleveland Aquarium's advisory board, was instrumental in bringing the group's president, Christopher Bonar, to the Berea group. After Hill read about the group's efforts, he called Bonar and has since become one of the group's strongest supporters.

 

 

http://www.cleveland.com/sun/newssun/index.ssf?/base/features-0/1160067162116430.xml&coll=3

 

its too early to get into design, but what the heck.

 

kinda wacky, but what about something like this? no real fish, just fishy fun stuff:

 

 

 

 

there are more renderings and video too on the link:

http://www.thebattery.org/rebuilding/carousel/

 

^its supposed to go in battery park i think. the architects are weisz+yoes -- they also have a finalist rendering in the running for the regular "new" ny aquarium in coney island too:

 

 

here's another regular aquarium competition design finalist by some other firm:

 

more nyc aquarium renovation info from nytimes:

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/06/nyregion/06aquarium.html?_r=2&ref=nyregion&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

 

 

 

Those that mentioned the project should be "more" than just a typical aquarium have it right on the money. This is another chance to keep Cleveland ahead of the curve.

 

The aquarium should definitely be a "Great Lakes specific" learning AND research center, tied in with every school in the region.

 

It would make a great common ground center for each university in Ohio to take part, whether the subject be engineering, aquatic biology, ecosystem restoration, urban and coastal development, etc.

 

 

The physical and emotional disconnect between the population and the water has been one of the greatest obstacles for this city.

well... why not just make it an addition to the science center

I say build it on north coast harbor

I say build it underwater in NC harbor, like Atlantis...that way the fish could look at us...looking at fish!

I like the idea of building it in the water. But I suspect they would have to "fake" some exhibits to make them appear as if people are looking into the water to see some wildlife, because: A. I doubt there is much underwater wildlife in Cleveland harbor, and B. I doubt you could see them even if they were there.

Isn't there an aquarium at the zoo?  Would that move?  Would it still be run by the MetroParks?

 

BTW, I was at the zoo this summer with the nephews and nieces, its way to much and way to packed.  I know its one of the best zoos in the country but damn!  Maybe moving some exhibits isn't such a bad thing.

New aquarium backers still swimming upstream to reach their goal

Monday, April 07, 2008

 

"Whatever happened to . . ." is a weekly series updating some of the most newsworthy and interesting stories covered in The Plain Dealer. Have a suggestion on a story we should update? Send it to John Kuehner at [email protected], or call 216-999-5325.

 

What happened to plans for a new Cleveland aquarium?

 

The plans remain afloat, though little progress has been made since a nonprofit group called Cleveland Aquarium Inc. was formed in 1999.

 

Christopher Bonar, the group's president, said many people are still enthusiastic about the idea of building an aquarium in downtown Cleveland...

 

more at: http://www.clevelandaquarium.org/downloads/PD_Swimming_Upstream_Apr7-2008.pdf

can I say no thanks?  if they build it with private funds, ok.  but as it is I find aquariums with bigger creatures in them kinda sad and creepy.  at least its not a sea world.  ugh. 

^did you read the pretense of the article?  Its not happening... just giving the lost ideas shout outs.

^Did you read the article itself?

I was just gonna say ..

 

This doesn't sound like it's dead at all. It sounds like they're very much working to make this a reality. It's just a bit stalled, but I think this would be great for downtown. Maybe another tourist attraction for North Coast Harbor?

I was just gonna say ..

 

This doesn't sound like it's dead at all. It sounds like they're very much working to make this a reality. It's just a bit stalled, but I think this would be great for downtown. Maybe another tourist attraction for North Coast Harbor?

 

I agree completely.  And it looks to definitely be privately financed, so i don't think there's any reason not to be in favor of something like this.

An ideal scenario would be a location with 3 parts= aquarium on one side, hotel in the middle (with bar & restaurant, of course) and a "Kalahari-type" waterpark on the other side.  Views of the lake at all 3 places.  Ideally this would happen when the Port clears out, but perhaps if the Convention Center/Medical Mart is at Tower City, current Convention Center could serve this purpose.  Or, vice versa.

An ideal scenario would be a location with 3 parts= aquarium on one side, hotel in the middle (with bar & restaurant, of course) and a "Kalahari-type" waterpark on the other side.  Views of the lake at all 3 places.  Ideally this would happen when the Port clears out, but perhaps if the Convention Center/Medical Mart is at Tower City, current Convention Center could serve this purpose.  Or, vice versa.

 

absolutely, this could be phenomenal. I think it's crucial to make this spot into a profitable attraction...someplace where people will come overnight, eat, use the spa, etc. as well as utilizing the shopping, theatres, nightclubs, etc. that the city has.

they should have it tied in with the Great Lakes Science Center

wow, awesome, thanks for assuming I didn't read the article.  I did, and as others noticed, it appears to be possibility that this could happen.  I like new attractions as much as the next guy.  but I think aquariums are cruel.   

Kick the Navy out of their spot and put it there.

This would be great but huge aquariums are very expensive...who would we build it for? IMHO skip the mammals, stick to smaller sharks, and attach it to something we already have, like the zoo. Cleveland Zoo in fact has a decent aquarium (and thats coming from an aquarium junky) so its not like its completely missing from the region.

 

The real question is if there is a driving reason this would be in Cleveland, like a Great Lakes exhibit (drab, gray, boring) or something. If its another excuse to see dolphins and giant toothy sharks maybe we should focus that private investment on something more pertinent to the region.

^I'd rather we focus our investment in other areas at this time.

what would a great lakes-only aquarium feature?  some perch/walleye and zebra mussels..haha

....tires, beer bottles, used condoms...