Corpus Christi plunges into $50 million aquarium expansion

CORPUS CHRISTI – Texas State Aquarium is readying to take visitors on a Caribbean Journey. Ground has been broken ground for the Caribbean-themed $50 million expansion project.

The expansion includes 65,000 sf, a four-story addition and creation of a Center for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education.

Officials said the expansion is expected to increase the economic impact to $69 million, support 887 local jobs and create 41 full-time jobs. The aquarium currently has an economic impact of $43 million annually.

Named one of the top 20 aquariums nationwide last year by TravelChannel.com, the Texas State Aquarium also placed second in the Best Aquarium in the Nation list by USA Today.

Construction is expected to take 18 to 24 months with a goal of opening in first quarter 2017.