Our team has been providing ongoing structural and architectural engineering services related to restoration and infrastructure improvements for the Shedd Aquarium since 1997 including the Wild Reef Expansion and Amazon Rising Exhibit. K&H continues to provide structural engineering services as part of the Shedd’s Centennial Commitment which includes renovating the historic structure for the next hundred years under the Experience Evolution Project. As the EOR for this major renovation, the project represents adaptive reuse at its best by implementing a variety of structural reinforcing techniques, modifications to existing framing for new occupancy loading, exhibit weights, and life support equipment. Close collaboration with the design team, general contractor, and the Shedd’s exhibit designer and marine experts will allow the nearly 100-year-old structure to be transformed for aquatic life and accessible access for all guests. Other structural improvement projects include reinforcement of the East Mezzanine floor slab, replacement of new chiller units, northwest stair and Sodexho Tunnel renovation, gift shop renovations, skylight rotunda rehabilitation, and several rotating special exhibits. K&H also developed a master plan for restoration and maintenance of the exterior envelope which has continued to be implemented and updated.

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Structural engineering services at the Shedd Aquarium range from reinforcement of existing structural systems for new exhibits or equipment to façade rehabilitation and interior restoration of concrete exhibit tanks and back-of-house functional spaces. Unique challenges include working in an active facility with staff, visitors, and live animals, and sensitivity to the Aquarium’s status as a National Historic Landmark, while working with late 1920s-era design and construction.