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Toledo Zoo Aquarium
Toledo Zoo Aquarium
Toledo, OH, United States
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Other Projects by EHDD
Toledo Zoo Aquarium
Toledo, OH, United States
Firm
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2014
SIZE
25,000 sqft - 100,000 sqft
BUDGET
$10M - 50M
A historic aquarium transformed to immerse, educate, and inspire.
The Toledo Zoo Aquarium has been a community landmark since its opening in 1939. Tasked with modernizing the facility while preserving its historic integrity, EHDD led a transformative renovation of the original Works Progress Administration (WPA) building. The 30,000-square-foot project was delivered via CM/GC and is certified LEED Silver.
The design doubled the exhibit area and quadrupled the total water volume—from 46,000 to 185,000 gallons—while staying within the original building envelope. More than 200 species are now housed across 32 exhibits, including the signature 90,000-gallon Pacific Coral Reef tank. Located in the original rotunda, this immersive centerpiece offers six distinct floor-to-ceiling viewing experiences.
EHDD’s approach balances reverence for historic fabric with a bold reimagining of the visitor experience. The layout incorporates sensory elements and interpretive features developed in collaboration with the zoo’s education team, fostering deeper learning and engagement.
An adjacent outdoor penguin exhibit—also designed by EHDD—adds a new dimension to the visitor journey. The 40,000-gallon habitat allows above- and below-water viewing of South African black-footed penguins and extends from the north tower of the main building. Today, the renovated aquarium offers a dynamic, accessible experience that bridges past and future while reaffirming its role as a beloved regional destination.
The Toledo Zoo Aquarium has been a community landmark since its opening in 1939. Tasked with modernizing the facility while preserving its historic integrity, EHDD led a transformative renovation of the original Works Progress Administration (WPA) building. The 30,000-square-foot project was delivered via CM/GC and is certified LEED Silver.
The design doubled the exhibit area and quadrupled the total water volume—from 46,000 to 185,000 gallons—while staying within the original building envelope. More than 200 species are now housed across 32 exhibits, including the signature 90,000-gallon Pacific Coral Reef tank. Located in the original rotunda, this immersive centerpiece offers six distinct floor-to-ceiling viewing experiences.
EHDD’s approach balances reverence for historic fabric with a bold reimagining of the visitor experience. The layout incorporates sensory elements and interpretive features developed in collaboration with the zoo’s education team, fostering deeper learning and engagement.
An adjacent outdoor penguin exhibit—also designed by EHDD—adds a new dimension to the visitor journey. The 40,000-gallon habitat allows above- and below-water viewing of South African black-footed penguins and extends from the north tower of the main building. Today, the renovated aquarium offers a dynamic, accessible experience that bridges past and future while reaffirming its role as a beloved regional destination.
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