Covino said his team works with local, county and state associations to ensure that all permits and regulations are met from pre-construction to operation of the facility, including animal guidelines.

He added the mall has plenty of parking, and due to the future location of the aquarium in the middle of the mall and its interior mall entrance, guests can park anywhere and have access to it.

“It will be a regional draw for sure,” he said. “Malls have to reinvent themselves, and this is just the first of many cool uses we plan to have there. It’s just the beginning. We have some really exciting plans for the two ends of the mall.”

It has been a challenge to get new stores in the mall, mainly because of the city’s population size and median incomes, Pettitt said. The goal is to add more uses like SeaQuest that are also a regional draw.

Covino said he expects SeaQuest to be the number one entertainment destination and tourist attraction in the area.

“One of the positive economic impacts is a boost for neighboring businesses,” he said.