Renovation work to expand and improve the Shedd Aquarium continues in earnest along Lake Michigan on the Museum Campus. General contractor Pepper Construction erected a tower crane on the site in March, and that’s allowing them and contracting partner Brown & Momen to make progress on the multi-year project.
Rendering of new entry pavilion and garden by Valerio Dewalt Train
Overhead view via Google Maps of the north pavilion that has been demolished
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
The tower crane and the most visible areas of construction are on the aquarium’s north side, but the main entrance facing west is also under construction and is closed. That is not impacting business, as the facility remains open to the public, with a temporary entrance accessible on the south side of the building, facing Soldier Field.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
The work being performed now, based on designs by Valerio Dewalt Train, was approved by the Chicago Plan Commission back in 2022 and permitted in September 2023. All four levels of the 1929-built Graham, Anderson, Probst & White building will have interior and exterior demolitions performed, while updates are being done on exhibit areas, elevators, stairways.
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
Looking across Monroe Harbor from Navy Pier. Photo by Daniel Schell
Photo by Daniel Schell
For more about The Experience Evolution at the Shedd Aquarium, watch the video at their website here.
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I’m having trouble locating plans for the renovation that aren’t in video format. Can anyone tell whether they’re widening the lakefront trail as part of this?