The National Aquarium in Baltimore?s multimillion expansion in the Patapsco River?s Middle Branch area is at least a year behind schedule and could be scrapped altogether if the tourism attraction fails to purchase land for the new facility by a June 14 deadline.
The attraction?s original plans called for the conversion of a city garage located on 20 acres of city-owned property in Middle Branch into an animal care facility that would replace its existing off-site facility in Fells Point. Conversion of the facility as well as the development of a waterfront park and conservation area at the site is expected to cost about $35 million.
According to Molly Foyle, an Aquarium spokeswoman, the plan was to have the facility constructed by summer 2008, when its lease at the Fells Point location was set to expire. However, after negotiations with the facility?s landlord, Foyle said it is likely that the lease will be extended until the Middle Branch project is complete and that the probable extension is the reason the attraction has not purchased the land. The purchase of that land was approved by the city Board of Estimate more than a year ago.
“The aquarium has a long history of taking a very measured approach to our expansion,” Foyle said. “As we work toward this opportunity we have to be mindful of what were asking of our donors. At the same time, we?re very excited to be at that site because it?s another on Baltimore?s waterfronts. We were part of a revitalization 25 years ago and we?re excited to be part of another one.”
Meanwhile, the Baltimore Development Corp. has set a deadline of June 14 for the Aquarium to purchase the land, which currently houses a 140,000-square-foot garage for city vehicles, for $8 million. That money would be used to relocate the garage to 3800 E. Biddle St.
According to Andrew B. Frank, an executive vice president with the BDC, said that the June 14 deadline is the date that the development corporation must award a construction contract for the new central garage.
“In order to do that we need the Aquarium to commit to settling on the property,” Frank said. “I know they?re working hard and they understand the deadline. I?m cautiously optimistic.”
