Ocean Science Center Design

The Ocean Science Center will lead the development of the 420 acre former mill site.

The Future of Marine Science on the Mendocino Coast

The Noyo Center Center’s future facility on 11.6 acres on the Fort Bragg Headlands will be the only marine research and education center active year-round within a largely inaccessible 250 mile stretch of the northern California coast.

The Ocean Science Center will create a physical space for researchers, students, families and visitors to explore the Mendocino coast and investigate the dynamic relationship between humans and the natural world.  The Ocean Science Center will include:

  • Research laboratories, whale “la-BONE-atory”, and a marine mammal triage center

  • Public exhibit hall that include an aquarium, tidal exhibits, a 73-foot articulated blue whale skeleton and a virtual reality underwater experience

  • Educational exhibits and rotating exhibits for visiting school children and learners of all ages

  • Community amenities including a lecture hall, classroom space, a café, and outdoor recreational space

  • Restoration of the formerly industrial mill site parcel with vibrant coastal habitats and connections to the California Coastal Trail and 90 acres of coastal parkland

  • Blue economy incubator

  • A net-zero energy campus designed to showcase innovations in sustainable development and coastal resiliency

Conceptual designs were completed by Pfau Long Architects.

Design and Planning, 2023

The Noyo Center Center, in collaboration with West Business Development Center, is now embarking on a new phase of planning. With funding from the Economic Development Administration, we will be soliciting consultants for the following:

  1. Facility Design: The Noyo Center is soliciting proposals from qualified professional architectural firms for the next phase of design of the Ocean Science Center project. This will include:

    • Schematic design (RFP here)

    • Advanced exhibit designs: Kelp tank/seawater system, Blue Whale exhibit, and Ocean Immersion Dome.

  2. Environmental Review (RFP coming in 2024): Prepare NEPA and CEQA documents for construction and operation of the OSC.

  3. Blue Economy Feasibility Study (RFP here): West Center, in collaboration with the Noyo Center for Marine Science is seeking to retain the services of a consultant to prepare a Blue Economy (BE) Feasibility Study for the future development of the Ocean Science Center that includes:

    • A Blue Economy Business Incubation strategy that identifies key factors of regenerative blue economy business models and defines the best structure (e.g. incubator, accelerator, coworking space, etc.) to support the launch of innovative business and promote opportunities for high wage skilled jobs.

    • A Comprehensive Business Plan for the OSC that will enable the Noyo Center to create a capital development strategy and necessary partnerships to sustain operation of the facility.

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