Attached to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the iconic Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center holds historic and cultural significance, having hosted Olympic gold medalists like Michael Phelps as well as children’s swim meets on a 5-acre peninsula in the Intracoastal Waterway.
Hensel Phelps’ $44.8-million design-build renovation project included swimming pools that meet the international swimming and diving competition standards, making the modern landmark home to the U.S.’ first 27-meter permanent dive tower. The team also renovated two other facilities: an 8,800-sq-ft grandstand building and a 16,106-sq-ft locker room and administrative building. Challenges included meeting International Swimming Federation (FINA) high-diving and diving standards, restrictive constraints that had to be met for the dive tower. Crews had to focus on building codes first, then FINA standards. The facility hosts diving competitions for children and Olympic-level professionals like Phelps and Natalie Coughlin, who have both broken records at the facility.