Architect outlines revised aquarium design for Rockport Harbor; estimates about $1.85 million

Roy Lewis, AIA, principal with Garza Bomburger and Associates, presented the selected schematic design for the Rockport Harbor aquarium rebuild to the Aransas County Commissioners Court, saying the team is “excited about this project.”

Lewis said the new schematic moves the building approximately 15 feet east to avoid encroaching on lease lines negotiated with the Aransas County Navigation District and to preserve Texas Parks and Wildlife access to its adjacent site. The site plan locates accessible parking to the north and shows a deck that will connect the new aquarium to the existing education center.

The design raises the new building approximately 4½ to 5 feet above the existing pavement and incorporates a 2‑foot freeboard to accommodate wave action. Lewis described “knockout panels” around the deck to allow storm surges and wave action to pass under or through the structure, and a ramping system to connect accessible parking to the deck and education center entrance. A mezzanine is shown over the back‑of‑house for mechanical and electrical equipment and storage; the exhibition space will house previously purchased tanks integrated into the new footprint.

Lewis said staff areas include a saltwater treatment and distribution area, an unloading zone for merchandise and live animals, and the option for a barn‑style door to open the back‑of‑house for tours during special events. The design reserves a location between the lease line and stairs for a harbor saltwater intake to serve exhibit filtration.

On generator access, Lewis said he met with Perry Daniel, identified in the presentation as director of the fisheries division with Texas Parks and Wildlife, and with Chris Mace, president of the aquarium board, and was told Texas Parks and Wildlife staff indicated access to the existing generator location would not be a problem. Lewis said the project team will obtain written confirmation and noted previous meetings with navigation district representatives (including a former navigation district staffer, Keith) and with Jerry Vendrett about lease lines and underground utilities.

Commissioners asked about the budget. Lewis said the current estimate is about $1.85 million, a rise from earlier estimates driven largely by required elevation/piling work, flood‑proofing and decking choices. He said the team is reviewing decking materials (Trex, treated wood, PVC) and exploring grant opportunities; county auditors have been involved in meetings to reconcile costs.

Next steps Lewis identified include surveying and locating subsurface utilities to design pilings around them, obtaining written access agreements from Texas Parks and Wildlife, and continuing cost reconciliations and value‑engineering to reduce the awardable amount.

The court did not take a vote on the schematic presentation; commissioners asked staff to return with follow‑up documentation and permissions before seeking construction approvals or contract awards.