The Gulfport Redevelopment Commission is seeking bids for the main building package of the Mississippi Aquarium, set to open in Spring 2019.
The $93 million project will be a state of the art facility in the City of Gulfport. It will contain over 1,000,000 gallons of both salt and fresh water. The campus will be composed of three public buildings housing exhibits, ticketing and gift shop. There will also be three smaller support buildings, and several exterior exhibit habitats. The entire campus will be enclosed and heavily landscaped.
The Commission is advertising for bids until 10am, Friday 22nd September. The project will be awarded to “the lowest and best bidder” – though the owner reserves the right to “accept or reject and or all bids.”
The aquarium was first announced in January this year.
The attraction is being built on 5.8 acres downtown, on the waterfront across from the Harbour. A raised dirt foundation has already been laid, with grass planted over to prevent erosion.
The aquarium will feature a 65 foot tall entry fountain, a 30 foot long “Gulf Tunnel” and more than 50 species of non-toxic plants.
There will be over 80,000 square feet of exhibits connected by landscaped walkways.
Around 487,000 visitors are expected each year, and the aquarium will employ 65 full-time employees and 45 part-time employees.
The advertisement adds: “Minority and Women’s business enterprises are solicited to bid on this contract as prime contractors and are encouraged to make inquiries regarding potential subcontracting opportunities and equipment, material and/or supply needs.”
There will be a pre-bid conference on August 29 at 2pm at the Gulfport City Hall Council Chambers.
Image Courtesy Mississippi Aquarium
