Gulfquest National Maritime Museum on Track for Fall 2012 Opening

Construction managers at the site of the GulfQuest Maritime Museum at Mobile's Riverfront said they are on schedule, despite some challenges. Those challenges are unique to building such a facility on the banks of a river.

Mike McKenney with Hoar Program Management said crews unearthed at least three sea walls, a product of the Mobile port expansion over many years to accommodate deeper draft ships. But solutions were found.

When it's completed the facility will have some 90 thousand square feet of exhibit space. Executive director Tony Zodrow says the exhibits promise to be high-tech and interactive. A ship piloting simulator is planned. Traveling exhibits are also planned, including the Titanic exhibit.

The museum is costing about $50 million including construction and exhibits.