Inspired by Daniel Burnham’s famous charge, “make no little plans,” Shedd founders got down to business making plans for the world’s largest aquarium. From Naples to Berlin, San Francisco to Boston, a research team spent months examining the design and operation of leading aquariums across the globe. Only the best and most modern techniques would be incorporated into Chicago’s aquarium. Groundbreaking took place on November 2, 1927, and construction of the grand Beaux Arts building was completed in a remarkable two years.

Klein and Hoffman, Inc. (K&H) has been providing ongoing architecture and engineering services related to restoration and infrastructure improvements for the Shedd Aquarium since 1997. Exterior projects have included replacement of the central rotunda, installation of solar panels, repairs to the masonry stone and terra cotta materials and various structural projects related to new and existing exhibits. Work scope included repair and replacement of isolated damaged terra cotta and White Georgia Marble material as well as a complete repointing of all of the masonry to match the originally specified pure white mortar, resulting in an impressive restoration of the architect’s original design intent. Limited interior work included investigation of moisture issues at exposed brick areas and replacement of several large storefront windows.