WHATEVER HAPPENED TO ... THE AQUARIUM OF ARKANSAS : Plan still there for facility
Posted on Monday, April 7, 2008
In August, 2007, an announcement was made concerning plans for an aquarium to be built on property where the Ole Applegate Arts and Crafts Show used to be held.
Jim Brassart and Faron Smith formed a nonprofit corporation and were applying for 501 C-3 status for The Aquarium of Arkansas Inc.
"Nothing has changed," Smith said. "The plans are still in place, and we're still a go. The money crunch in financing began shortly after our announcement. It has slowed down the process because we're trying to get financing for the original structure before we request public financing.
"The director we contacted is still on board with everything. Hopefully, we'll get the financing we want and can begin construction fairly soon."
Initially, Brassart and Smith announced the aquarium as an educational attraction. They said it would feature a 43, 000 to 60, 000-square-foot structure in the first phase. According to the two, the aquarium could eventually expand to triple that size.
Brassart said last August that the public would be informed about the curator of the aquarium.
"He has already agreed to accept a position with us, but because he is currently employed at another aquarium, we can't yet mention his name," Brassart said. "We're also visiting with an architect to design the building, and we plan to use Sand Creek Engineering.
"I want to have natural terrain, so that means leaving as many trees as we can. The area is pretty already. We don't want to take away from what's there. We want to add to it. We plan to follow the lines of the E. Fay Jones home on the Applegate property - a natural look. "
Amy Brassart, Jim's wife, planned to take on the donations and contributions aspect of the project.
"I just think it will be a wonderful addition to Bentonville and the whole region," Amy Brassart said last summer. "There's nothing like it near here and I'm happy to be part of this project."
Mentioning how often she's accompanied the couple's daughters on field trips, Amy Brassart said she wants The Aquarium of Arkansas to be educational and a lot of fun. "It will be a great opportunity to learn about life for underwater creatures. It will also be a chance to learn about water conservation and the environment of the sea. I think local people will enjoy it and I know it will bring a lot of visitors in, too. I think it's going to be a great attraction."
• • • If you have an idea for What Ever Happened To, e-mail them to mikej @ nwanews. com.
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