New renderings are giving a glimpse at the possible future of the Miami Seaquarium as a new company appears set to take over the lease of the property.
The renderings depict a large aquarium, a lagoon and a “fisherman’s village” on the property.
They were released Thursday by Terra, a South Florida real estate development company that is set to take over the lease of the property.
Terra
Terra
A rendering of a lagoon on the Miami Seaquarium property
Last month, a bankruptcy judge approved the $22.5 million sale of the lease to Terra.
Miami-Dade County, which owns the 38-acre parcel and first leased it in 1954 to a company that created the Seaquarium, still must approve the transfer of the lease to Terra before the deal can close.
“We are excited to deliver enhanced public access including a baywalk and fisherman’s village along the waterfront, an education and research center, resiliency features that ensure the Seaquarium is built to last for generations, and a world class aquarium with no marine mammals,” David Martin, CEO of Terra, said in a statement Thursday.
Terra
Terra
A rendering of an aquarium on the Miami Seaquarium property
Martin said their plan includes investing over $100 million in restoring the site.
“We look forward to sharing additional details with the full County Commission in December. Our team continues to be in communication with the seller to ensure the safe transition and transport of all animals in accordance with federal regulations and standards,” Martin’s statement read. “Looking ahead, Terra is committed to operating a new, accredited aquarium with no marine mammals.”
The county filed an eviction lawsuit against the current owners of the Seaquarium, MS Leisure, in June 2024, alleging the current state of the facility and its impact on the marine life there violated the terms of the lease.
In March, MS Leisure, through its parent company Leisure Investments Holdings LLC, and other affiliates then voluntarily sought relief under Chapter 11 of the bankruptcy code, putting the eviction case on hold while a potential buyer of the lease was sought.
Terra
Terra
A rendering of a “fisherman’s village” on the Miami Seaquarium property