Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium South Pacific Aquarium Repairs & Shark Tank Upgrades
restoring a habitat for our underwater friends

Schemata Workshop is leading a specialized team to design and engineer the repairs, upgrades, and improvements to the 32-year-old South Pacific Aquarium exhibit at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. The project will make critical structural repairs and tank restorations in order to extend the useful life of these aquarium exhibits. Additionally, while the exhibits are closed, it is a rare opportunity to provide some updates to the systems for the wellbeing of the animals and exhibits that will be much to the enjoyment of both the animals and visitors. 

The area of work includes the main Shark Tank, Blue Hole, and Lagoon exhibits, the back of house areas and in addition, the Life Support Systems (LSS) for all these areas. A skylight is being replaced and better air distribution will be provided. The improved aquarium will incorporate refreshed exhibit displays and better access for staff to care for the animals. The project was completed in 2024 with a rename from the South Pacific Aquarium to the Tropical Reef Aquarium.

Project Information

CLIENT
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

LOCATION
Tacoma, WA

PROJECT TYPE
Commercial

COMPLETED
Spring 2024

SCOPE

PROJECT TEAM
Schemata Workshop (Architect of Record)
MLA Engineering (Structural)
PAE (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing)
MIG (Exhibit Design)
WJE (Material Testing)
TJP (Life Support Systems)
RC Cost Group (Cost Estimating)