New York based Developer Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation and the world's second biggestvisitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments have revealedthat two of Merlin’s leading brands– SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center - will be featured at Shops at Rivercenter, in downtown San Antonio.
Shops at Rivercenter is one of Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation’s primeassets in its$10 billion portfolio. Its locationon the famousRiver Walk in downtown San Antonio (next to the Alamo) makes the mall a prime destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.Itattracts over 12 million visitors a year.
The SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Center complex will have a footprint ofover 65,000 square feet. Theinteractive and educational attraction space is expected to be a major visitor destination within Shops at Rivercenter. The attractions are set to open in 2018.
Ben AshkenazyisCEO of Ashkenazy Acquisitions Corp. He said, “We, at Ashkenazy Acquisitions, are so excited and very much look forward to SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center providing an entertaining and educational experience to visitors. These attractions will further define the Shops at Rivercenter and downtown San Antonio as one of the premier entertainment destinations throughout the US.We are pleased to be partnering with a quality organization like Merlin Entertainments.”
John Jakobsen is Merlin Entertainments’ Chief New Openings Officer. He said, “Shops at Rivercenter’s location on the world-famous Riverwalk and its close proximity to The Alamo, a national historic landmark, makes this project especially exciting for us. It’s the ultimate family destination- the ideal environment for our attractions.”
The Ultimate Family Destination
SEA LIFE is the world’s biggest aquarium brand. It has over50 major aquariumsacross the world. San Antonio will be the second SEA LIFE in Texas, with the first in Dallas.
Conservation is also an integral part of boththe SEA LIFE experience and Merlin Entertainments' vision. Visitors to the newattraction will therefore learn about SEA LIFE'sBreed, Rescue and Protect activities.The vital work of the SEA LIFE Trust will also be highlighted. This isa registered charity established by Merlin. Itraises awareness of issues affecting the world’s marine life. In addition, it helps promote solutionsand providesfunding for valuable marine conservation work.