September, 2009 – Bloomington, MN – Butterfly Bay at The Big Green Help Ecopark in Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America recently opened to rave reviews. 
Krech, O’Brien, Mueller & Associates, Inc., provided structural engineering and architectural services for the exhibit, which came together with the help of several partners, including Aloha Landscaping, Mall of America and Nickelodeon’s Big Green Help initiative.
The exhibit, designed to empower kids to participate in earth friendly and energy saving activities, features 750 butterflies living inside an aviary in the middle of the expansive Nickelodeon Universe amusement park. At its opening in mid-August, Butterfly Bay featured primarily butterflies from Minnesota, although it eventually will feature species from around the world.
The exhibit, designed to empower kids to participate in earth friendly and energy saving activities, features 750 butterflies living inside an aviary in the middle of the expansive Nickelodeon Universe amusement park. At its opening in mid-August, Butterfly Bay featured primarily butterflies from Minnesota, although it eventually will feature species from around the world.
The 1,500-square-foot aviary displays hundreds of tropical plants and flowers from around the world, as well as fresh fruit and other food sources for the butterflies to feed upon. It also offers visitors informational kiosks with details about not only the resident butterflies, but also about energy-saving and Earth-friendly activities for children.
- KOMA principal in charge, Brady Mueller, AIA, said, “We have a fantastic relationship with the team at Mall of America, and have been thrilled to be a part of this one-of-a-kind project. We work on a variety of green projects, but this display – with its focus on educating children about energy-savings and environmentally friendly practices – gave us the chance to get involved at a different level.”
KOMA principal in charge, Brady Mueller, AIA, said, “We have a fantastic relationship with the team at Mall of America, and have been thrilled to be a part of this one-of-a-kind project. We work on a variety of green projects, but this display – with its focus on educating children about energy-savings and environmentally friendly practices – gave us the chance to get involved at a different level.”
Mueller continued, “It was also a real treat to have the chance to work with Aloha Landscaping. Our company is built on establishing long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships with companies that share our values and approach, and Aloha has been a great match for us. Together, we applaud MOA and Nick’s Big Green Help program for their vision in pulling together this innovative display.”
Butterfly Bay is located in the southwest corner of Nickelodeon Universe in Mall of America. More information can be found at www.mallofamerica.com.