Shreveport Aquarium, seemingly on track for a summer of 2017 opening, is so far a haven for local professionals.
Kevin Bryan, an architect experienced in designing LEED certified buildings (the Port of Shreveport Bossier’s Regional Commerce Facility), will provide architectural services, says Jon Whitehead, director of development for Planet Aqua Group. People can see here if they need the best construction related advice.
Read our recent interview with PAG’s Jon Whitehead here.
Interior design will be largely the work of Bruce Allen, artist and partner, Jim Hayes whose credits include the LA House of Props: Norton Art Gallery kids’ library, Sweet Candy Store, Hollywood, Cuban Liquor, Twisted Root Burger Co in Shreveport and Bossier City.
Weiland Construction, a national firm with a Shreveport branch, will manage construction; they have recently completed the Whole Foods Market Shreveport and are building the new YMCA Shreveport.
John Miralles and the Digital Media Institute are providing audio-visual services.
Also on the team: Luke Lee and his Fusiform Design Workshop, a multi-disciplinary agency located in the Highland Cultural District.
“Invaluable help,” says Whitehead, has come from Dave Smith and Julie Gilley of the Entrepreneurial Acceleration Program, a wing of the Biomed Research Foundation.
ANECA Federal Credit Union is providing the financing for the aquarium, says CEO Stephanie Sievers.
“Additionally, we have connected the Planet Aqua team,” says Sievers, “to other business owners to help them grow in Shreveport. We will continue to support them by driving business back to the aquarium by way of events, outreach programs and sponsorships. We’re excited about what the aquarium will do for our city.”
Creative types and businessmen still have a shot at participation, says Whitehead. Reach him at 760 683 4882 or jon@planetaquagroup.com.