support

project development

Development of the Northwest TerrAquarium will be accomplished in three phases. 

Phase I – Anticipated expenses: $1.7 million

  • Market Determination Study
  • Pre-construction Plan
  • Budgeting, Scheduling & Operations
  • Economic Plan and Pro Forma
  • Funding Plan
  • Case Statement

Phase II – Anticipated expenses: $3.5 million

  • Architectural design
  • Engineering
  • Permitting
  • Exhibits Design
  • Program Design
  • Fundraising

Phase III – Anticipated expense:  $70 to $90 million
(Determined during Phase I)

  • Construction
  • Complete Program Development
Future Waterfront Aquarium, Bellingham WA

Project History

The Board of Directors of the Northwest Discovery Project - a group of educational, business and governmental leaders in our community - have worked long and hard for many years to bring about the creation of the Northwest Terraquarium in Bellingham.

In December 2004, the Waterfront Futures Group included the Terraquarium as a key component of its vision for the future of the waterfront. In September 2006, the Port of Bellingham designated the Terraquarium as an important part of its waterfront redevelopment plans.

Local and Government Support

We have garnered strong support from local, state and federal government leaders, leading educators throughout the region including Western Washington University, business leaders and representatives of arts and culture. Now - after two years of work researching, formulating plans and assembling a team of the top aquarium professionals in the country, we are now moving forward to bring our plans to fruition.

The Terraquarium will be built largely with private funds, as most of the successful aquariums around the country have been, and we have been gathering such private support throughout the region. At the same time, we need public support - city, county, state and federal - to help move the project forward to the point where architectural and engineering plans, and all required permits are in place so that major private contributors will step forward to fund construction.

How you can help

Right now we are asking for your help to show our current and future supporters that we have strong community backing for the Terraquarium. A letter or an email (sample letter) to the Northwest Discovery Project expressing your support would be greatly appreciated. There will come a time when we will be seeking contributions, but please don’t send money right now, unless you would like to make a large donation of $10,000.00 or more. Please help us bring an exciting world-class destination attraction with enormous educational, ecological and economic benefits to our region.

Thank you,
Robert Goodwin Signature, Northwest Discover Project Director
Bob Goodwin
Executive Director Northwest Discovery Project
Northwest Discovery Project
314 East Champion St.
Bellingham, WA 98225

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