Maritime Aquarium, Globe Theater to Receive State Assistance for Renovations

Governor Malloy and State Senator Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) announced on Thursday that Norwalk's Globe Theater and the Maritime Aquarium will soon receive state assistance for essential renovations and upgrades to further foster recreation and tourism in the city, according to a statement released by Sen. Duff.

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve $1.5 million for the Globe Theater at its upcoming June meeting as part of an overall $7.5 million theater redevelopment effort and $400,000 for the aquarium to help replace one the aquarium’s two chiller units.

“The Globe Theater on Wall Street has a storied history in our city. Though the building has fallen into disrepair, it remains a local treasure, and holds the potential to transform the neighborhood around it if rejuvenated. I am proud to support this redevelopment effort, and thank Governor Malloy for his support,” Duff said in his statement. “The Maritime Aquarium is about to celebrate 25 years of bringing Long Island Sound creatures into the city, and these critical repairs will keep them going for many more years to come. Both of these investments will help draw visitors to Norwalk and our other local businesses.”

The Globe Theater, which is 98 years old and has hosted vaudeville and burlesque shows, movies and rock concerts, has now been closed for a decade, and plans to restore it are in the the early stages, according to the release. 

Plans call for restoration of the theater into a general-use/multipurpose venue to accommodate live entertainment, conferences, assemblies and public performances. The project is envisioned as part of a larger development plan for the Wall Street area. 

As for the Maritime Aquarium,  its original air conditioning chillers have been in need of ongoing repairs, which is essential to maintaining a suitable environment for the aquarium’s animals and visitors, at a cost of tens of thousands of dollars annually. 

“The Maritime Aquarium is a Connecticut gem located in Southwestern Connecticut and the Globe Theater will once again regain that title too. They also add to our state’s economic development efforts," Malloy said in the statement. "Travel and tourism activities in Connecticut generate $11.5 billion annually in economic activity and are responsible for 110,000 jobs.  It’s an important that we continue to drive this important sector of our economy forward.”