John Ball Zoo leaders have officially pivoted away from plans to build a $400 million aquarium on the former Fenske Landfill site in Walker along the Grand River near Millennium Park.
The announcement follows the late April departure of zoo CEO Peter D’Arienzo.
In a news release, Board Vice Chair Mark Janes who is now leading the site-vetting, said, “Through… due diligence, we have determined that the Fenske property in Walker does not satisfy our needs, and we will not be pursuing a purchase of that property. “
As a federally designated contamination site, the nearly 200-acre tract would require cleanup. Zoo leaders are considering other Kent County properties.
The proposed aquarium is seen as a regional transformational development with an estimated $3.4 billion economic impact and $268 million in tax revenue.
It’s expected to draw 750,000 visitors annually and create 2,500 jobs.
Stalled state brownfield development funding is also affecting the project, which was previously touted as opening by 2031.
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