Aquarium at the Boardwalk transformed a historic Branson property into a one-of-a-kind family attraction featuring immersive marine exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational opportunities centered around ocean life. The aquarium invites guests to explore underwater environments ranging from coral reefs and tropical habitats to jellyfish exhibits, octopus displays, and other unique marine ecosystems.
Behind every exhibit is a carefully controlled environment designed to support the needs of each species while providing guests with a memorable experience. Unlike traditional commercial buildings, an aquarium requires precise temperature, humidity, and water conditions across multiple unique habitats.
Control Service Company (CSC) joined the project near the end of construction to provide the building automation expertise needed to optimize facility operations. CSC implemented an Automated Logic WebCTRL building automation system, integrated HVAC systems with the aquarium’s Life Support Systems (LSS), and provided ongoing support to ensure the facility’s mechanical systems could meet the specialized demands of an aquatic environment.
The aquarium required a building automation solution capable of managing more than traditional comfort systems. Each aquatic ecosystem has specific environmental requirements, including precise water temperatures and oxygen levels, to help marine life thrive.
CSC was tasked with creating a system that allowed facility personnel to monitor and manage both the building environment and critical aquarium systems through a centralized platform.
One of the project’s unique challenges was integrating with the aquarium’s Life Support Systems. These systems monitor critical tank conditions, including water temperature and oxygen levels, across the facility’s various exhibits. CSC developed graphics and system interfaces that allow the maintenance team to easily view important operational information and respond quickly when conditions require attention.
The project also included correcting and optimizing four rooftop units that had been installed before CSC’s involvement. The equipment had been designed with a residential application in mind rather than the operational demands of a commercial aquarium. CSC completed a “brain transplant” by replacing and reconfiguring the unit controls to better align with the facility’s needs and integrate them into the overall building automation system.
Additional challenges included operating in a high-corrosion environment caused by saltwater evaporation, addressing incomplete equipment documentation, navigating scope changes, and completing repairs while minimizing disruption to aquarium guests.
CSC designed and implemented an Automated Logic WebCTRL building automation system tailored to the aquarium’s unique operational requirements.
The system provides facility personnel with a centralized interface to monitor HVAC operations and integrated Life Support System information. Through customized WebCTRL graphics, staff can easily view system status and understand the conditions supporting each exhibit.
CSC integrated critical building systems, including:
- Chilled water systems supporting aquarium operations
- Hot water systems
- Rooftop units
- Chillers and heaters
- Life Support Systems monitoring tank conditions
- HVAC equipment serving guest and operational spaces
By connecting these systems through one platform, CSC helped create a more efficient and manageable facility environment. Maintenance staff received formal WebCTRL training, allowing them to confidently handle day-to-day system operations while relying on CSC for advanced troubleshooting, programming, and technical support.
Aquatic Environment Integration: Connected the building automation system with Life Support Systems to monitor critical tank conditions, including temperature and oxygen levels.
Customized Building Controls: Created WebCTRL graphics designed specifically around aquarium operations and maintenance needs.
Rooftop Unit Optimization: Completed a full controls retrofit on four rooftop units to transition them from residential-style operation to a commercial facility application.
Specialized System Support: Integrated HVAC and water management systems required to maintain diverse aquatic habitats.
Operational Training: Provided facility staff with hands-on WebCTRL training to support independent system management.
After-Hours Support: Coordinated maintenance and repairs around aquarium operations to reduce disruption to guests.
The Branson Aquarium at the Boardwalk relies on CSC to support the systems that keep the facility operating efficiently. CSC continues to provide ongoing support, helping the aquarium team maintain reliable building operations while addressing challenges unique to a specialty entertainment facility.
Because the aquarium remains open to guests, CSC’s service team often works outside normal operating hours or during limited access periods to complete repairs and maintenance without impacting the visitor experience.
Aquarium at the Boardwalk is more than an entertainment destination—it is a carefully controlled environment where building systems directly support the health and stability of marine ecosystems. CSC’s building automation expertise helps ensure each exhibit receives the environmental conditions needed for its unique inhabitants while providing facility staff with the visibility and control needed to operate the building effectively.
Through advanced system integration, customized programming, and ongoing partnership, CSC helped transform complex mechanical systems into a streamlined operational platform. The result is a facility where guests can enjoy immersive underwater experiences while the behind-the-scenes technology quietly supports the aquarium’s mission every day.
