The International Swimming Hall of Fame is Making a Splash

As 2026 begins, the International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) Redevelopment Program, led by design-builder Hensel Phelps, is gaining momentum alongside the New River Sound in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Throughout the 12 months, patrons will see continued progress throughout the whole campus as this transformative mission takes form.

Project Phases

The ISHOF mission closed out 2025 with a topping out ceremony for the City of Fort Lauderdale’s Ocean Rescue Headquarters Facility. This main milestone marks a key second in Phase One of the Redevelopment Program. The two-story, 15,304-SF state-of-the-art headquarters will function storage for gear and embody places of work, convention rooms, showers and locker rooms for Ocean Rescue personnel. With foundations full and the construction formally topped out, the power is anticipated to be accomplished by June 30, 2026.

Also a part of Phase One, the seawall enhancements are scheduled for completion by June 30, 2026. Construction will start on the north finish of the peninsula, progressing west after which south to reinforce and defend the waterfront perimeter.

Phase Two of the redevelopment will start in 2026 and embody building of the West Building, which can home the brand new ISHOF Museum and the Fort Lauderdale Aquarium. This section can even introduce retail and eating choices, occasion and exhibit area, a digital immersive expertise, and expanded parking.

Looking forward, Phase Three and the East Building will embody further retail and eating areas, dryland coaching areas, a instructing pool, grandstands and an elevated promenade. Phase Four will embody a public water dock and anticipates coated grandstands on the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Center (FLAC) pool.

Setting a New Standard for P3 Project Delivery

The 320,000-SF public-private-partnership (P3) improvement is being constructed adjoining to the FLAC, which was beforehand renovated by Hensel Phelps from 2018 to 2022, and earned the 2023 Engineering News Record (ENR) Award of Merit for the Sports/Entertainment class. “The P3 delivery model enables alignment between public needs and private expertise, providing long-term value, cost certainty and a thoughtfully phased approach to development,” says Operations Manager Matt Krstolic. “Hensel Phelps’ proven experience with complex projects, a successful history at FLAC and a collaborative, solutions-driven mindset position us as the ideal partner for ISHOF and the City of Fort Lauderdale. This project is setting a new standard for P3 delivery with potential net zero cost to the City of Fort Lauderdale.”

That prior expertise has additionally performed a essential position in shaping the redevelopment. According to Project Manager Greg Jennings, “Familiarity with FLAC’s daily and annual operating schedule, the Fort Lauderdale Beach event calendar, and long-standing relationships with FLAC management and City staff have been instrumental in effectively planning and executing construction on the peninsula. This knowledge has helped inform both the design of ISHOF and the ongoing construction of Phase One.”

Helping the International Hall of Fame Make a Splash

Together, these capital enhancements are making a world-class vacation spot that can serve the group and rejoice swimming for generations. They additionally place ISHOF and FLAC as premier locations for swimmers of all ranges and providing breathtaking 360-degree views of FLAC, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.

For extra info on the redevelopment program and updates, go to the International Swimming Hall of Fame website.