Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center
Athens, Texas
Jackson & Ryan Architects led the comprehensive multimillion dollar modernization of the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (TFFC) in Athens, Texas. This was the facility's first major renovation since its landmark opening in 1996. Working in close partnership with Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD), Kim Hanschen, AIA and her team developed a master plan to elevate the visitor experience securing the center’s position as a national leader in fisheries science.
The architectural scope focused on an extensive overhaul of both the "life support" systems and the immersive public galleries. In coordination with Texas Parks & Wildlife experts, we oversaw the renovation of nearly 300,000 gallons of indoor and outdoor aquariums, including the replacement of massive acrylic viewing windows and the integration of high-efficiency filtration and pumping infrastructure. A signature element of the redesign is the new, 10,000 gallon freestanding gallery dedicated to the renowned Toyota ShareLunker program, designed to showcase "Legacy Class" largemouth bass in a state-of-the-art habitat that emphasizes the science behind Texas’ world class bass fishing.
Beyond the aquatic exhibits, the project enhanced the campus’s educational and recreational capacity. Our team modernized the Toyota Fishes of Texas dive theater, expanded the Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame, and redesigned the visitor center's retail and entry spaces to better accommodate over 40,000 annual guests. On the grounds, we implemented site improvements including new fishing piers and upgraded walkways for Lake Zebco and Strike King Pond, creating a seamless, accessible connection between the scientific work of the Texas Parks & Wildlife hatchery and the public’s engagement with the state’s diverse freshwater resources, ensuring the facility remains a premier cultural and scientific asset for the State of Texas for decades to come.