Construction Management Team Chosen for Mote Science Education Aquarium

Mote Marine Laboratory leadership is pleased to announce the selection of a partnership between a local construction management company and an international firm for the construction of Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA): Willis A. Smith Construction, Inc., and The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company.

Mote’s President & CEO announced the selection Thursday, May 16, surrounded by Trustees, major donors, supporters and community leaders at the Finish Tower at Nathan Benderson Park, overlooking the future home of Mote SEA. This major milestone results from many months of careful assessment by a committee of Mote Trustees and senior staff. The committee scored three incredibly competitive candidate finalists on numerous criteria, including the qualifications and experience of their respective staff members assigned to the project, the companies’ success with similar projects, detailed proposals and projected costs, metrics related to safety, insurance applicability and financial health, and more.

The decision was extremely challenging to make. Ultimately, Mote’s committee recognized the immense value of Whiting-Turner’s significant experience constructing large, scientific and public-aquarium facilities nationwide, paired with Willis Smith’s demonstrated proficiency with major projects in southwest Florida, including eco-friendly construction.

“This is a significant step in our journey to create Mote SEA and realize its economic and societal benefits for the southwest Florida region and the State of Florida,” said Mote President & CEO Dr. Michael P. Crosby. “Our Trustees, staff, supporters and communities should be proud of all they’ve done to help us reach this point and excited that we will now be able to focus increasingly on the concrete details of creating this important and lasting cultural asset.”

“Willis Smith Construction is a 47-year, local, construction management firm specifically known for building Sarasota and Manatee landmarks,” said John LaCivita, Executive Vice President of Willis Smith. “The new Mote Science Education Aquarium will become a landmark destination, not only for our local region, but also for the State of Florida, and it will be recognized worldwide once completed. We have teamed with the prestigious firm of The Whiting-Turner Contracting Co., an industry leader in specialty entertainment construction and aquariums. During the construction phase, this project will be an economic driver to all of Southwest Florida, and it will have tremendous, annual economic impact to both counties, once open. Our team is ready to get started!”

Now, Mote leaders are working with Willis Smith and Whiting-Turner to move forward during the preconstruction phase in close collaboration with project architect CambridgeSeven and Mote staff.

Fundraising for the project shows similar momentum. The $130-million campaign to create Mote SEA, Oceans for All: Improving Access to Marine Science & Technology, has already attained $34 million in commitments from philanthropic donors, including $2 million in just the past 31 days. The campaign focuses on a resilient combination of public, philanthropic and corporate giving. Learn more and check for future Mote SEA milestones at: moteoceansforall.org