Our Town Chattanooga Then & Now: The Tennessee Aquarium

This could be one of the best documented moments in Chattanooga history.

Here at WDEF News 12, we did a month long preview series a year before it opened.

And then another month-long series just 3 monthes before opening.

Plus the hour and a half live dedication show.

So we're picking the best of more than 50 stories to show you just what a big deal it really was.

1988 The project began in earnest after the demolition of the old warehouses on the site in 1988.

HistoryA year before the Aquarium opened, reporter Stephen Ruf looked back at what it took to get this far.

ConstructionThe construction took three years.  But nothing was more spectacular than the crews who did the high glass work.  Kimberly Blake has the story. 

The PlazaBuilding the Plaza outside the Aquarium was also a challenge.  Ken Chambers shows us the special engineering behind the bridge.

Glass Blowing And how many people appreciate the artisanship that goes into those little coke bottles you walk on outside the Aquarium?  They were made here in Rossville.

The ArchitectIt took a lot of energy to see the design through.  Ken Chambers went to Boston to introduce us to the Aquarium's Architect.

River FishingFrom the Tennessee mountains to the Yenisei in Russia, the Aquarium goes fishing for their tanks.  Dan Howell has the story.

Key West FishingWe also went along on a fishing trip off of Key West.  Christi Murphy shows us there are a few perks for working at an Aquarium.

SalamandersBut not all trips were so far away.  Ken Chambers takes us Salamander hunting in our own backyard. 

River OttersWhere are the river otters in real life?  Dan Howell shows us how wildlife agents have been restocking the mountains with the otters that make to Aquarium so perky. 

Fish CareAs opening day neared, the fish began piling up inside.  We show you a sneak peak at the Fish Care Center in the Aquarium.

River DevelopmentWhen the Aquarium opened, Walnut Street bridge was closed, there was no Coolidge Park, no ballpark,  and only one restauraunt along the river.  Lisa Douglas show us what was in the works to cash in on the Aquarium.

Aquarium DedicationAnd finally, it was time to open up the facility.  We'll show you highlights from the hour and a half special WDEF ran of the ceremonies.  Part One begins just before the doors open.

Dedication Part 2Here are highlights from the ceremony, thanks to Jack Lupton, remakrs from Governor McWherter, the opening by Carey Hanlin.