The Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue at Texas State Aquarium
Owner: Texas State Aquarium
Architect: Turner | Ramirez Architects
Since it first opened its doors in 1990, Texas State Aquarium has been dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Coastal Bend wildlife, with founders envisioning a future state-of-the-art facility designed to house and care for rescued animals. Thanks to the SpawGlass-South Texas team, that vision has now been realized with the opening of the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue.
After Winter Storm Uri decimated native wildlife and brought in thousands of animals needing rescue in early 2021, the need to expand rescue capabilities was more urgent than ever before. The SpawGlass team worked with Turner | Ramirez Architects to create a structure that would stand up to harsh coastal conditions while serving as an environmental crisis center, medical treatment facility and research lab. Though this project posed unique challenges due to its intricately designed structure and location, the team was able to finish on time and within budget.
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico in Corpus Christi, the building structure includes 15-foot-high columns and operational rooms that house backup generators and other emergency equipment that will protect the building and allow it to withstand category 5 hurricanes and loss of power. Specialized waterproofing techniques and storm-preparedness safety measures were key elements of this project, along with obstacles unique to the harsh conditions at the coast. The facility’s interior pools use pumps to bring in seawater, which is highly corrosive and requires special equipment and handling. Digging holes on the shoreline would ultimately lead to tidal pools, so the team utilized dewatering systems to mitigate tide conditions to avoid safety risks and delays. Despite these hurdles, Superintendent Bobby Millerfound the project to be exciting and rewarding. “Through the challenges, it was motivating to build something that was unique to the region and to SpawGlass,” remarked Bobby.
This innovative structure is the largest wildlife rescue center in the state of Texas and one of the largest in the country, with the capacity to house more than 1,000 animals at once and treat an assortment of species. Large animals such as dolphins, sharks and manatees can be crane-lifted into the main pool, which holds 90,000 gallons. The main holding area includes a roll-up bay door and is surrounded by windows that let in plenty of natural light to allow the animals to maintain a natural sleep and wake schedule. In lieu of patient beds, the hospital ward is outfitted with rows of individual pools for treating sea turtles. Other interior features include research areas, an aviary, an exam room with the state’s only wildlife CT scanner, a testing laboratory and a surgical procedure room with viewing windows for public observation.
The Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue will also serve to enrich community education by inviting the public in to learn and observe. “The facility may inspire the next Jacques Cousteau,” said South Texas Division President Eric Kennedy. This project is just one of many examples of how SpawGlass is dedicated to building communities – for the people, and for the animals.
