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Aquarium at the Boardwalk Branson MO

The Aquarium at the Boardwalk is one of the latest adventures in Branson, Missouri that focuses on fun for all.  Branson’s developing entertainment complex begins with some features that visitors can expect to enjoy at the Aquarium; more than 250 different animal species, an original 5D submarine adventure to the bottom of the sea, a 24-foot high Kelp Forest climbing structure for kids, stingrays, a beautiful 16-foot view of a coral reef, two mirrored art installations that give the sense of infinite ocean life, lionfish, and more than 7,200 individual sea animals! Visitors will also meet the Aquarium’s characters Aquarius, the wise and helpful Giant Pacific Octopus, and Finn, the adventurous Golden Puffer. Not only will these animals be the first they see on the Boardwalk, Aquarius is represented in numerous ways throughout the experience.

This first phase and 21-month build was designed by PGAV Destinations, a leading master planner and designer with major attractions including theme parks, aquariums, museums, zoos, heritage sites, lodging, and branded destinations. Before stepping inside the aquarium, guests are mesmerized by the exterior of the building— Aquarius, a striking 55-foot tall reflective stainless-steel sculpture of a giant Pacific octopus. The 46,000 square-foot home for saltwater species of all kinds, collectively supports an impressive 400,000 gallons of aquatic life. This grand entrance needed a remarkable outdoor paving plan that would accentuate the sculpture and lead visitors to the main park attraction. PGAV Destinations having worked with Bomanite Licensee, Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC previously on the St. Louis Aquarium project, called upon them again for their decorative concrete expertise.

Sam Kroesen, Musselman & Hall Project Manager worked with PGAV Destinations to help develop the best system and products to showcase the architectural specifications for the walkway and entrance to the Aquarium. Reviewing samples and coloring methods to create a realistic looking boardwalk while showcasing the entrance was the goal. The Bomanite Imprint Systems stamped concrete with custom patterns to fit the winding pathway was the material of choice.

Creating a custom unique large hexagon stamp provided dimension and an artisanal element for the field around Aquarius. Leading up to and twisting around the large mirrored octopus was a custom 8’ radiused plank board pattern, creating that beach boardwalk feel. Bomanite Imprint Systems are available in over 400 differing patterns that can resemble real wood, stone or natural textures. Custom stamped concrete patterns are endless and provide the flexibility, strength and durability that other paving materials lack.

A total of 18,000 square feet of imprinted concrete custom patterns were installed using Bomanite Autumn Brown Integral Color for the boardwalk path and a 1:1 mix of Bomanite Moccasin Integral Color and Bomanite Sand Integral Color for the Hexagon paving. Initially the clients had chosen a Color Hardener sample, with the need to cut costs and stay within budget, Kroesen was instrumental in solving the dilemma by mixing onsite Integral Colors to match the color selected. A final touch of Mirrored glass was hand broadcast into the boardwalk path to provide sparkle and complement Aquarius.

This thematic installation of Bomanite Decorative Concrete offers versatility in design, long-term durability, low-maintenance, weather-resistant features and environmentally friendly attributes earning Musselman & Hall Contractors the GOLD Award for the Best Bomanite Imprint Systems Project.

St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station

St. Louis Union Station is an amazing collective adventure of a giant Ferris Wheel, fire and light shows, delicious dining establishments, an old time carousel, 18-hole mini golf, ropes course and the recently opened grand aquarium that features one-of-a-kind exhibits and marine environments for thousands of aquatic animals from the rivers and oceans of the world that is housed in 1.3 million gallons of water. The St. Louis Aquarium is a 120,000-sq-ft, two-story attraction built inside the footprint of a nearly 500,000-sq-ft 19th century iron umbrella train shed that is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

One of the most high-tech and hands-on built aquariums, Architect and designer PGAV Destinations train themed aquatic environment is the centerpiece of a $187 million St. Louis Union Station family entertainment complex. An immersive, virtual train ride on one of two full-size replica passenger rail cars takes guests inside the aquarium. The ride honors St. Louis Union Station’s railroad past with a multimedia experience that travels through a trip to the rivers and oceans of the world, narrated by actor and St. Louis native John Goodman. When the train doors open, visitors find themselves at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers where they can see the fish that inhabit America’s great rivers, such as alligator gar, paddlefish, sturgeon, catfish, and many more. Additional exhibits include playful North American River Otters, Shark Canyon and The Deep exhibit that is home to animals that include exotic and endangered Leafy Sea Dragons, jellyfish, a Giant Pacific Octopus and a coral reef. Throughout, hands-on opportunities allow guests interactive play while bringing together state-of-the-art technology, animal care, education, and conservation with the excitement of aquatic creatures.

PGAV Destinations, known for their design work on 50 fantastical aquariums around the world, had been searching for the right finish for the “River Pavement” they desired on the exterior plaza feature of the St. Louis Aquarium that represented the confluence. After discovering their original design of epoxy terrazzo was not recommended for exterior use, the search ended when the designer was attending a lunch and learn presented by Bomanite Licensee, Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC. Nate Harris, Business Development Manager for Musselman & Hall, shared pictures and samples of the Bomanite Revealed decorative concrete system and, as simple as that, the decision was made. That very afternoon PGAV notified McCarthy Building Companies (GC) to contact Musselman & Hall about installing the River Pavement design. Bomanite Revealed is an architectural exposed concrete with varying exposure depths using decorative aggregates that use advanced application procedures to produce a finished product that showcases the seeded aggregate. Musselman & Hall Contractors worked with PGAV to iron out the details of color and aggregates, samples were made for the final decorative concrete selection and installation of the 372 square foot feature proceeded.

To begin the installation Musselman & Hall first had to set the forms to the designed shape to emulate the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Additionally, blockouts had to be made for the “railroad bridges” to be installed later with pavers. A plain concrete base slab held down ½” from the finish elevation needed to be poured first. Once the base placed, the Bomanite Revealed was mixed on site adding the selected blue integral concrete color, a combination of 3 different colors of blue glass aggregates, and clear glass aggregate to the mix. This mixture was applied at a ½” thickness directly over the primed base concrete for a monolithic bond. Engraving of the river names completed the work.

Bomanite Revealed provides 100% exposure of the decorative aggregate with no native sands detracting from the finished appearance. The final product is a unique alternative to other decorative concrete finishes while producing a monolithic concrete slab with a low life cycle cost due to the pre-aged nature of the surface. Bomanite Revealed is suited for exterior applications—anywhere that improved wear resistance for light to moderate-duty vehicular or foot traffic combined with an architectural finish is desired. Although very challenging, the task was completed perfectly, resulting in a beautiful educational representation of the river confluence for the St. Louis hi-tech hands-on Aquarium.

Musselman & Hall Contractors, LLC were recognized for their creative solution and intricate installation of Bomanite Revealed decorative concrete with the GOLD AWARD for the Best Bomanite Exposed Aggregate Systems under 6,000 Sq. Ft project for the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station.