Seattle Unveils Plans For Aquarium Three Times As Large ‘

A plan to tear down the Seattle Aquarium and build a replacement nearly three times as large for $80 million to $90 million has won unanimous City Council approval.

Under the plan adopted Monday, the bulk of the money for the proposed 200,000-square-foot complex of ponds, fish tanks and displays would come from private sources and the aquarium eventually would be turned over to a non-profit corporation.

The plan also calls for redevelopment of Waterfront Park and Piers 62 and 63 along the central waterfront.

The existing 68,000-square-foot aquarium, described by council member Sue Donaldson as “seriously outdated,” was built nearly 20 years ago and barely breaks even to cover annual expenses.

Attendance averages 600,000 visitors a year. One feature is an artificial stream that draws a small salmon spawning run.

Steve McGraw, executive director of the Seattle Aquarium Society, said public money for the project could amount to $15 million to $25 million from the port, King County and state and federal governments as well as the city.