An aquatic wildlife conservation nonprofit is set to build a new immersive education center inside Newport on the Levee.
Newport-based nonprofit WAVE Foundation signed a lease with North American Properties, the owner of Newport on the Levee, to open a 4,650-square-foot office in the development, according to a press release.
WAVE Foundation Center for Conservation Education is slated to open next to Prime IV in early fall.
“Throughout its existence, WAVE has hosted its programs offsite, taking animals to schools, libraries, and community events to ensure everyone – regardless of their ability to pay – can experience the Aquarium’s wonder,” WAVE Executive Director Tricia Watts said in the release. “Now that we’ll have our own space, we can continue expanding our offerings and maximizing our impact.”
The education center will feature brightly colored walls, fish tanks, meeting space, team offices, and three education/multipurpose rooms. In addition, WAVE hopes to gain enough funding to add a permanent art installation at the office’s entrance. The installation would double as a photo opportunity and conservation tool. MA Design and Terrex have been selected to lead the design and buildout of the center.
“Like many other tenants at The Levee, we’ve established a deep connection with WAVE over the years and are so thrilled they’ll finally have a place to call home here,” said Gabriella Burch, Newport on the Levee’s general manager. “The Education Center will bring yet another unique factor to The Levee and further enhance its reputation as a distinctive, entertainment-focused locale.”
Founded in 1999, WAVE provides year-round programming, including WAVE on Wheels, Gills Club, Camp Wave, and Finstitute, to raise awareness about protecting the ocean and aquatic life.