Masonry Magazine October 1989 Page. 17
Dazzling Entrance With Glass Block
Sea World of Texas, San Antonio
Architect: Sea World of Texas
Product Architect: Jones/Kell, Inc.
Mason Contractor: Frank Wallace Masonry, Inc.
General Contractor: 4-M Construction Services, Inc.
In the rolling hills west of downtown San Antonio, Sea World of Texas has opened a theme park that rivals the famous Alamo in attracting visitors to the Lone Star state. The world's largest marine life park opened its doors in April 1988 and in an astounding seventy-one days, greeted its one millionth guest. Total attendance exceeded three million for the first year. This huge complex was built at a cost in excess of one hundred forty million dollars.
The teamwork concept was put to good use from the very inception of the park. Taking a general idea from Sea World officials, Jones/Kell Architects of San Antonio, developed and finalized plans for the dazzling entrance area to the park. Although designing other parts of the park, project architect Al Carvajal points with pride to the sparkling triple barrel vault arches framed in glass block and steel. Using a height of fifty-six feet for the center arch, Carvajal and architectural team members Jerry Sparks, Johnny Kell, Jr. and Kim Bevilaqua spent many hours. The three huge barrel arches provide a dramatic effect, both in the day and night time and prominently display the Sea World logo.