PGAV Destinations Anticipates a Thrilling 2014
Design firm reveals top-secret projects and openings for the coming year
(St. Louis, MO – January 14, 2014) – The Chinese year of the horse welcomes in a thrilling year for St. Louis-based design firm PGAV Destinations!
The upcoming 12 months bring numerous project openings, groundbreakings, designs, and project kick-offs at zoos, museums, aquariums, and theme parks around the world. Expect in-depth details as many of these exciting initiatives reach their opening dates, while others will remain shrouded in anxious secrecy throughout the year.
PROJECT OPENINGS
The St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame will open in the brand new Ballpark Village this spring in St. Louis, MO. The new museum will showcase the rich heritage and myriad of stories from the largest collections of artifacts in Major League Baseball. Africa, an incredible new veldt at the Columbus Zoo, will open this year featuring giraffes, impalas, zebras, monkeys, ostriches, and a pride of lions. Aquatica San Antonio’s new Aviary is scheduled to open for the 2014 season, as well as the new Chimelong Ocean Kingdom on Hengqin Island in China, which will be a one-of-a-kind theme park combining animal exhibits, shows, and thrill rides.
Plenty of exciting PGAV-designed attractions and expansions at one of the nation’s most popular theme park chains will open this year, and two new tour experiences will be revealed this year at popular American breweries. In addition, a storied American establishment will open its first-ever visitor center, giving visitors a never-before-seen experience into its intricate workings.
NEW PROJECTS IN THE US
Zoos & Aquariums
Design and construction documents will begin for the brand new Sea Turtle Rescue Center at the South Carolina Aquarium, and McDonnell Polar Bear Point is well under-construction at the Saint Louis Zoo. In addition, a state-of-the-art, immersive new aquarium attraction is underway at a famous US casino. Lost Kingdom, a new realm at the Tulsa Zoo featuring Malayan tigers, snow leopards, and komodo dragons, will break ground this year, and a popular Midwestern zoo will continue planning for an exciting downtown extension.
Culture, Heritage, & Tourism
PGAV Destinations has completed an improvement study and recommendations for the innovative TPDF funding program of the Buncombe County Tourism Development program based out of Asheville, NC. In addition, Fort Ticonderoga in New York has finished Phase II of PGAV’s master plan, enhancing its guest programs and site flow.
One popular Midwestern museum will soon be announcing an all-new extension of its science museum, while a brand new PGAV-designed history museum will be revealed in 2014. A one-of-a-kind Ohio museum will bring sweeping renovations to its theater, while one of America’s most significant historic destinations will grow with a themed hotel.
Lastly, one of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders will begin construction on a PGAV-designed exhibit with an immersive, hands-on experience.
Theme Parks & Attractions
PGAV continues an excellent partnership with one of the world’s most popular brewers, and numerous new destinations – including airport restaurants, sports stadium bars, special events, and brand new tour centers – are under design and development in 2014.
Two brand-new roller coasters are in design for two well-known US theme parks, opening in 2015 and 2016. Each will offer radically different designs and brand new elements to these parks.
One of the world’s favorite confectionaries recently completed its 10-year master plan, and will be constructing a new retail and entrance experience as the first phase of that project. In addition, PGAV has completed the design and strategy for the roll-out of a new high-tech retail concept for a Fortune Global 500 company and will be testing it this year.
NEW PROJECTS ABROAD
A famous European theme park has hired PGAV Destinations to plan and design a brand-new waterpark and hotel; while a world-famous East Asian waterpark has hired PGAV to design a new water ride. Work continues on the elegant and beautiful Baha Mar resort in the Bahamas.
These projects and many more will blanket the boards of PGAV Destinations in 2014; and while many will remain confidential as they evolve through strategic plans and beautiful renderings, many more will be revealed as they open to delight the public with brand new, exciting guest experiences.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now in its fifth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV’s key clients include industry leaders such as SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, Universal Studios, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, The Gettysburg Foundation, the St. Louis Zoo, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Hearst Castle, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
