Two years after opening its doors, the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion continues to serve as a destination for visitors from across the region while playing an important role in Seattle's revitalized waterfront.
The Ocean Pavilion officially opened in August 2024 following years of planning, coordination, fabrication, and construction. Hermanson led the HVAC scope, installing more than 45,000 pounds of galvanized and stainless-steel ductwork. Altogether, our detailing, fabrication, and field installation teams contributed more than 9,300 hours to the project.
BUILT THROUGH COLLABORATION
While the Ocean Pavilion presented unique technical challenges, what makes the project especially meaningful is the role it continues to play in the Seattle community.
Brian Morant, who served as Project Executive during construction, reflected on how the Ocean Pavilion has contributed to the broader transformation of Seattle’s waterfront.
"The Ocean Pavilion is more than an aquarium expansion. It's become a destination that enhances Seattle's waterfront, supports tourism, and creates opportunities for community engagement. It's rewarding to see the impact it continues to have two years after opening."
The project required significant coordination within a compact, 30,000-square-foot, three-story facility built around a large aquarium habitat. Plumbing, mechanical, fire protection, electrical, and life safety systems all needed to work together to support the aquarium environment, ensure visitor comfort, and make the most of the limited space.
That coordination extended from the underground installation through the building itself and into the surrounding roadway and pedestrian improvements. It took close collaboration among many trades, project partners, and team members to bring each part of the project together.
A LASTING LEGACY
Today, the Ocean Pavilion continues to provide a place for education, exploration, and connection. Along with its immersive aquarium experience, the Pavilion and surrounding waterfront improvements have created new opportunities for locals and visitors to walk, gather, dine, and experience Seattle.
As we recognize this milestone, we are grateful for every Hermanson employee and project partner who contributed to the Ocean Pavilion. From planning and detailing to shop fabrication and field installation, the project reflects the collaboration and craftsmanship of the many people who helped bring it to life.
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