He has drawings that include two forest atriums and a large ocean tank, with sharks, “giant creatures” and a reef, plus more than 50 smaller tanks upstairs.

The local firm KCI Construction is on board, Sonnenschein said, and he got a letter of support from the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission in June.

“Many St. Louisans have long spoken of the desire for a standalone aquarium,” the letter said. “We are excited to be able to lend this vote of support for your initiative.”

Sonnenschein said he’s in the quiet phase of a capital campaign, but hasn’t secured any large gifts.

He said he’s got to get the Laclede’s Landing location up and running before he focuses on a bigger aquarium.

Business there should open in a few weeks, he said. He’ll rent it out for special events, and charge, he figures, $6 for a regular daytime entrance, and $25 for the nighttime shows.

He aims to catch school field trips as well as tourist traffic — the new site is just three blocks from the Gateway Arch grounds and two blocks from the Edward Jones Dome.

“I don’t know if there’s a better location,” Sonnenschein said.

“If I do my job right,” he continued, “this place will be packed.”

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