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Photo Credit: David Wakely

Complete Pre-construction and phased GC services provided for new construction and expansion work at the Marine Mammal Center, a marine hospital and rehabilitation facility located on 4-acres at Fort Cronkhite in the Marin Headlands. The Marine Mammal Center is the largest purpose-built animal facility in the world. It was a phased project that included 6 new buildings housing a retail and educational center, administrative offices, and a mechanical shop and locker room, as well as a veterinary hospital that includes a food prep kitchen, a research lab, specimen storage, and a necropsy. Additionally, new outdoor areas consist of 39 pools and pens with new Life Support Systems for marine life

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When the center was founded in 1975, it was merely a collection of bathtubs, children's wading pools and chicken wire which acted as makeshift pens for stranded seals. For over thirty years the center continued to treat thousands of marine animals in aging Cold War military buildings. The organization was badly in need of a modern facility that could handle the influx of animals along the California coastline and where professional staff and volunteers could continue break-through medicine and research.

Today, the facility boasts a modernized water treatment system that nearly quadruples the center's water-holding and treatment capacity (from 47,000 gallons to 200,000 gallons), while reducing its annual consumption. There are indoor and outdoor classrooms, interpretive exhibits and a viewing deck over the pens which enhance the visitor experience. Three main buildings form a complex around a central courtyard where visitors can witness many never-before-seen aspects of animal care, science and education -- including views into a necropsy room, research laboratory, pharmacy and food prep kitchen for the marine mammals.

The veterinary science and research building houses offices for staff and researchers as well as a dispatch center for volunteers who field calls and coordinate rescues of stranded animals. These indoor areas were all designed with occupant comfort in mind. Natural ventilation, operable windows and daylighting enhance the spaces. The facility's original footprint did not change, yet the center's new capacity has increased exponentially, and provided a markedly improved environment for both animal patients and staff while still achieving efficiency and sustainability milestones.

The advanced care and research that is possible at the improved complex is vital to the public and the marine science community. Marine biologists from around California have worked with Marine Mammal Center researchers to learn more about poisoning with domoic acid, which comes from algae blooms and can harm humans who eat shellfish; diseases like toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis and San Joaquin Valley fever; and the buildup of contaminants like PCB's and DDT in sea lions. By studying the health of marine animals, they are learning a great deal about ocean and human health as well.

Awards:
McGraw-Hill Construction, Best of 2009 Award of Merit, Category: Cultural

Ranked 12th largest construction project in the North Bay, by San Francisco Business Times (October 2009)

"Despite funding and weather challenges, the Marine Mammal Center project in Sausalito, Calif., was successful thanks to teamwork and flexibility."
Link to full article from Building & Construction Magazine

"Gonsalves & Stronck Completes Construction on a $20 Million Marine Hospital & Rehabilitation Facility"
Link to full article from the Daily Pacific Builder