Fort Lauderdale to Upgrade Swimming Hall of Fame

The International Swimming Hall of Fame (ISHOF) has been a Fort Lauderdale landmark for decades, drawing tourists and aquatic enthusiasts. The current $220 million upgrade project aims to modernize the facility, which is expected to be completed by December 2028. The project includes two five-story buildings flanking the aquatic center. The east building will feature a welcome center, the ISHOF museum, a cafe, a surf simulator, office space, and a rooftop deck. The west building will house a gift shop, cafe, teaching pool, parking garage, exhibit spaces, VIP suites, a grandstand for diving events, an event center, and a rooftop restaurant. In total, the two buildings will provide nearly 331,000 square feet of space. The ISHOF project is a public-private partnership, with the city guaranteeing the debt. Fort Lauderdale is expected to recoup money through revenue-sharing from tenants and could see a gain of $1.1 million a year if the project succeeds. The city will contribute up to $13.6 million annually in lease payments over 30 years, totaling $408 million. An economic analysis projects a $292 million impact during construction and support for 750 jobs upon completion. The redeveloped property will generate an estimated $14 million in property tax revenue for the city, county, and school board over 30 years. The new Hall of Fame is expected to have an impact of $70 million a year on the local economy. The ISHOF's history dates back to the 1920s with the construction of the Casino Pool, the first Olympic-size pool in Florida. In 1968, ISHOF became the first international hall of fame of any sport. Olympic gold medalist Johnny Weissmuller, known for playing Tarzan, was the center's first director. The Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex includes two 50-meter pools and a 25-yard dive well. Ten world records have been set at the facility by swimmers including Mary T. Meagher, Natalie Coughlin, and Michael Phelps. The ISHOF merged operations with Swimming World Magazine in 2017. The previous ISHOF museum has been demolished, with its collection stored in anticipation of the new Hall of Fame. Once completed, the new facility will include a state-of-the-art museum with interactive exhibits and an aquarium showcasing marine life. The west building's height was scaled back from 13 stories to six in response to concerns about overshadowing the dive tower.