PGAV Destinations designed the aquarium and construction will be done by McCarthy Building Companies, O’Loughlin said. He said the aquarium will seek accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which sets standards for animal management and care.

The association, based in Silver Spring, Md., has more than 230 members. Among them is the Butterfly House, which opened in 1998 in Chesterfield and, since 2001, has been a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden.

The aquarium will employ marine biologists and aquarists responsible for water chemistry, animal nutrition, veterinary care, education, staffing and safety, according to the news release issued in May.

O’Loughlin said he expects the Ferris wheel to open around the same time as the aquarium. LHM said it hopes the 30-seat attraction would bring in 500,000 visitors annually.

PGAV Destinations has provided designs for exhibits at similar attractions including the Georgia Aquarium, Chattanooga Aquarium, Monterrey Aquarium and Sea World. PGAV also designed environments at the St. Louis Zoo, including Polar Bear Point, Sea Lion Sound, Penguin & Puffin Coast and the new Grizzly Ridge that opened in September.