Reimagining an icon: a new chapter for the Miami Seaquarium | Opinion

Having grown up in Miami, I have fond memories of visiting the Miami Seaquarium with my family. For 70 years, the Seaquarium held a special place in our community, welcoming both residents and visitors to experience the wonders of marine life and the beauty of Biscayne Bay.

Unfortunately, the property has fallen into disrepair in recent years. It’s time to breathe new life into this iconic site, restoring the Seaquarium’s place as a family-friendly destination anchored by a publicly accessible baywalk, a vibrant fisherman’s village and a state-of-the-art aquarium and education center.

The Seaquarium sits on land owned by Miami-Dade County, making it a public asset meant to serve our community. The county’s goal is to ensure that this property once again delivers lasting value to the public, and I share that vision.

Over the past several months, a competitive public process has unfolded in U.S. bankruptcy court as the Seaquarium’s longtime operator has sought to sell its lease with the county in order to repay its debts. Multiple groups expressed interest, and our firm, Terra, was selected to take over the lease. The Miami-Dade County Commission will soon vote to approve terms for the lease transfer, with our firm prepared to assume control of the Seaquarium in 2026.

In the meantime, the property’s operator is winding down operations and must safely transfer the park’s animals to accredited facilities throughout the U.S. The bankruptcy court has approved the animal transfer plan, and the relocation of the animals is now underway.

Looking ahead, our firm’s vision to invest more than $100 million in the Seaquarium property is rooted in accessibility, sustainability and community benefits.

Following is a sample of what’s in store, all of which falls within the county’s guidelines governing what can be built on the site:

• Brand-new, world-class aquarium with no marine mammals on display
• Public baywalk along the waterfront, which will be free and open year-round
• Fisherman’s village with open-air dining and local retailers
• Aquatic-based experiences showcasing the Biscayne Bay ecosystem
• Immersive education center focused on conservation and sustainability
• Public marina with wet and dry slips that address Miami’s shortage of dock space.

Importantly, our team will honor the Seaquarium’s legacy by preserving the Buckminster Fuller-designed golden dome and the historic house depicted in the “Flipper” TV series.

These improvements will result in a family-centered, environmentally conscious destination where residents and visitors can enjoy the waterfront and learn more about South Florida’s marine habitat.

Equally important, the new Seaquarium will deliver long-term value to Miami-Dade County by generating additional revenues, quality jobs and robust public benefits.

As a parent of two children, I get excited about spending a weekend afternoon exploring the waterfront and discovering the natural habit that makes our region special. Likewise, I believe the refreshed property will inspire local families for generations to come, as well as attract visitors from around the world.

The process of transferring ownership of the Seaquarium is still in its early stages, and many steps lie ahead. With careful collaboration between Miami-Dade County, Terra and the broader community, our planned transformation will turn a fading landmark into a thriving destination that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

David Martin is CEO of Terra, a Miami-based real estate development firm.