Big things are happening at the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) in Fort Lauderdale!
On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) broke ground on Phase One of its $218 million renovation of the ISHOF complex on the Hall of Fame peninsula that has been home to the Hall of Fame Pool/Aquatic Center and the International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum, since the mid 1960’s.
The Swimming Hall of Fame was established in 1964, after the AAU awarded the City of Fort Lauderdale as its home. In 1967, the Museum first opened and in 1968, it was officially recognized by FINA as the “International” Swimming Hall of Fame, taking it global. In 1991, ISHOF expanded, featuring a uniquely wave-shaped building designed by the internationally renowned firm Arquitectonica. Through the years, age took its toll and technology advanced to the point where changes needed to be made.
The new $218 million ISHOF project will be an architecturally unique facility that will house a new Hall of Fame Museum, with fully updated modern displays and digital access to aquatics sports history, an amazing aquarium, event space, restaurants, teaching pool, theater, meeting rooms, office space, and on-site parking. It will be like no other attraction on the beach. Paired with one of the top aquatic facilities in the world, this destination will be like no other, anywhere on the planet!
The groundbreaking was attended by local and City officials, including Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Steve Glassman, Commissioner John Herbst, and Aquatic Center Manager Laura Voet; ISHOF Board Members, Chairman Bill Kent, Mike Dooley, Mario Caprini, Steve Hasty, Matt McKean, Fundraising Chairwoman, Christine Tripp Yates; Construction Management Team, including Corey Olsen of Hensel Phelps, and many other invited guests, including John Whitehouse of Deep Blue Attractions and Rich Waltzer.
Wednesday’s ground breaking was only beginning, it marks Phase one of the ISHOF project, which will focus on infrastructure improvements, including the seawall around the peninsula and the Fort Lauderdale Ocean Rescue Headquarters. The Improvements for the seawall will consist of driving new sheet pile along the length of the existing seawall and a new seawall cap that will be approximately two feet higher than the existing seawall cap. The Ocean Rescue will be getting a new two-story concrete structure approximately 10,000 SF with an elevator, to be located south of the Dive Tower and west of the new south locker room building. The first floor will serve as storage for Ocean Rescue equipment (Paddleboards, Jet Skis, etc.). The second floor will include offices for the Chief & Lieutenants, a Conference Room, Showers & Locker Rooms.
After the Ground Breaking Ceremony, guests were welcomed on to the Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi, where they enjoyed at ride along the beautiful Intracoastal waterway, had hors d’oeuvres, as well as drinks, including a full bar, champagne or choice of beverage.
“Thanks to the inspirational leadership of the City of Fort Lauderdale, our on- of-a-kind International Swimming Hall of Fame is being reborn. The new facilities, including the aquarium, will be a new jewel in the crown of tourist destinations for all of Broward County.” Dr. Bill Kent, Chair of the Board.
Stay with us at www.ishof.org for more information on the redo and Phases 2, 3 and 4!!!! If you would like to donate to the project, click here: https://internationalswimminghalloffame-bloom.kindful.com/
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