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Georgia Aquarium’s $100M shark exhibit wraps vertical construction

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The 1-million-square-foot addition is on track to be people-ready next fall

A glass new structure show in renderings with many people in front of it.
The enhanced entry off Baker Street is designed to keep guests out of the elements.
Georgia Aquarium/Expansion 2020

The ocean’s apex predators are soon to have a new, bigger home at the largest aquarium in the Western Hemisphere.

Construction officials and City of Atlanta leaders recently celebrated the topping-out of the new $100 million shark exhibit at downtown’s Georgia Aquarium, according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

The substantial project is expected to produce a 1-million-square-foot exhibit that will house tiger sharks, hammerhead sharks, sand tigers, sandbars, and silvertips.

The four-story development is being constructed at the aquarium’s front entrance, on Baker Street.

 A rendering of a curving new blue addition to the Aquarium.
The expansion has bulked up the fish tank’s presence facing Centennial Olympic Park.
PGAV Destinations via CAP

Once the shark exhibit is complete, the aquarium will boast seven different galleries showcasing a wide array of aquatic animals, as well as a new entrance and exit, office and retail spaces, and a loading deck.

Led by general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, with the help of Peckham, Guyton, Albers & Viets Architects, the expansion is slated to wrap in fall 2020.

Have a look at images from an Expansion 2020 promotional video below.

Into the new entry, as planned.
Remaining images: Georgia Aquarium/Expansion 2020
A new shark exhibit shown with a large windows and  children.
Entering the new exhibit, with its large, immersive windows.
Huge windows and sharks in a new exhibit.
The design is meant to make visitors feel close and personal with the animals.
A new shark exhibit with windows above and below, and people in amazement.
Windows into the habitat will abound in this section.