Press Release
Neeley Construction is pleased to announce its selection as the General Contractor for the new Olympic Coast Exploration Center, a transformative marine science and education facility coming to the Port Angeles waterfront.
The project officially marked a major milestone with a community groundbreaking ceremony on April 8, celebrating more than a decade of vision, planning, and collaboration. The new facility will replace and expand upon the legacy of the Feiro Marine Life Center, creating a modern, immersive destination dedicated to marine science, education, and conservation.
Located on the Port Angeles Waterfront Center campus near Field Arts & Events Hall, the Olympic Coast Exploration Center will serve as a regional hub for hands-on learning, research, and community engagement. The approximately $35 million project is the result of a unique partnership between the nonprofit Feiro Marine Life Center and NOAA’s Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, combining public education with real-time scientific research and discovery. The project is designed by MIG, an award-winning planning and design firm known for creating impactful community-centered spaces.
Once complete, the new facility will be nearly three times the size of the current center and will feature expanded exhibits, improved animal care systems, and enhanced educational programming designed to inspire future generations of ocean stewards. The center is expected to open in 2028 and will significantly increase visitor capacity while strengthening connections between the community and the marine environment.
“We are honored to partner on a project that will have a lasting impact on the Olympic Peninsula,” said Mitch Neeley, President. “The Olympic Coast Exploration Center represents an incredible investment in education, conservation, and community, and we are excited to help bring this vision to life.”
Neeley Construction looks forward to partnering with MIG, project stakeholders, and the Port Angeles community to deliver a high-quality facility that celebrates the significance and natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula coastline.
https://www.peninsuladailynews.com