$140M Brevard Aquarium Project Advances: What CRE Investors Need to Know
Updated: 20 hours ago
The East Coast Zoological Foundation, which runs Brevard Zoo, is building Bowen Aquarium on 14 acres at Port Canaveral. On April 14, 2026 the foundation set the groundbreaking for December 2, 2026 and said $74 million, 53 percent of its $140 million fundraising goal, had been secured.
What the April 14, 2026 Release Says
The release lists the design as 100 percent complete, a permitted wastewater treatment approach for backwash from the fish filtration systems, PCL contracted as construction manager after soliciting bids and setting construction costs, and a financial plan developed with BofA Securities. CEO Keith Winsten said construction would begin later in 2026. The foundation said it was working with the Brevard County Commission to align Tourism Development Council funding with the groundbreaking date.
The Port Canaveral Site
Port Canaveral commissioners approved the aquarium for 14 acres at the port in September 2021, when the zoo estimated the cost at $85 million. By December 2023 Winsten told commissioners fundraising had reached $70 million. WFTV reported on August 12, 2025 that the cost had risen to $140 million.
On September 23, 2026 port commissioners approved a 31-year lease at $20,000 a month plus payments tied to attendance, FOX 35 Orlando reported. Winsten said the lease approval and approval of tax-exempt bond financing brought the project closer to the December 2 groundbreaking. The facility will include recovery care for injured sea turtles and manatees.
For hospitality or retail property near Port Canaveral, call 321-514-0876 or use the contact page.
Sources
East Coast Zoological Foundation release, April 14, 2026: the December 2, 2026 groundbreaking date, $74 million of $140 million secured, design, PCL, BofA Securities, Tourism Development Council funding.
WKMG News 6, September 29, 2021: port approval of the 14-acre site and the $85 million estimate.
WKMG News 6, December 6, 2023: $70 million raised.
WFTV, August 12, 2025: cost increase to $140 million.
FOX 35 Orlando, September 23, 2026: the 31-year lease, $20,000 a month plus attendance payments, bond financing, sea turtle and manatee rehabilitation.
Written by Cassandra Hartford, founder and CEO of Reach Commercial Real Estate. She has worked in Brevard County commercial real estate for 17 years, representing buyers, sellers, landlords, and tenants across Florida's Space Coast.
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