New York based Developer Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation and the world’s second biggest visitor attractions operator Merlin Entertainments have revealed that two of Merlin’s leading brands – SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center – will be featured at Shops at Rivercenter, in downtown San Antonio.

Shops at Rivercenter is one of Ashkenazy Acquisition Corporation’s prime assets in its $10 billion portfolio. Its location on the famous River Walk in downtown San Antonio (next to the Alamo) makes the mall a prime destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. It attracts over 12 million visitors a year.

The SEA LIFE and LEGOLAND Discovery Center complex will have a footprint of over 65,000 square feet. The interactive and educational attraction space is expected to be a major visitor destination within Shops at Rivercenter. The attractions are set to open in 2018.

Ben Ashkenazy is CEO of Ashkenazy Acquisitions Corp. He said, “We, at Ashkenazy Acquisitions, are so excited and very much look forward to SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center providing an entertaining and educational experience to visitors. These attractions will further define the Shops at Rivercenter and downtown San Antonio as one of the premier entertainment destinations throughout the US. We are pleased to be partnering with a quality organization like Merlin Entertainments.”

John Jakobsen is Merlin Entertainments’ Chief New Openings Officer. He said, “Shops at Rivercenter’s location on the world famous Riverwalk and its close proximity to The Alamo, a national historic landmark, makes this project especially exciting for us. It’s the ultimate family destination, the ideal environment for our attractions.”

The Ultimate Family Destination

SEA LIFE is the world’s biggest aquarium brand. It has over 50 major aquariums across the world. San Antonio will be the second SEA LIFE in Texas, with the first in Dallas.

Conservation is also an integral part of both the SEA LIFE experience and Merlin Entertainments’ vision. Visitors to the new attraction will therefore learn about SEA LIFE’s Breed, Rescue and Protect activities. The vital work of the SEA LIFE Trust will also be highlighted. This is a registered charity established by Merlin. It raises awareness of issues affecting the world’s marine life. In addition, it helps promote solutions and provides funding for valuable marine conservation work.