We’re proud to share that Sussex Development Corporation has been named the 2026 Contractor of the Year by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA), recognized for our work on the Virginia Aquarium Animal Ambassador Center in Virginia Beach.
This is an honor we’re genuinely proud of, and we want to take a moment to talk about what made this project worth recognizing.
About the Project
The Bob & Leslie Fort Animal Ambassador Center at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a 4,800-square-foot state-of-the-art facility designed to house the Aquarium’s animal ambassador program: a collection of non-exhibit animals used daily in education programs for guests of all ages. The new center is nearly twice the size of the previous building and includes upgraded life support systems, dedicated animal care spaces, and the capacity to expand the program well beyond its original footprint.
The facility had to meet USDA regulations and AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) accreditation standards, requirements that go well beyond a typical commercial build. It needed to function as a living, breathing habitat from day one, not just a finished building.
What This Award Means
The APWA Mid-Atlantic Chapter Award Program recognizes the best achievements in the public works profession across the region. The Contractor of the Year designation specifically honors the team that executed the work on the ground: the people who showed up, solved problems, and got the job done right.
Public works projects like this one are a different kind of challenge. The client isn’t just looking for a building. They’re looking for a partner who understands the stakes. In this case, the stakes included the welfare of live animals, a working institution that couldn’t simply close its doors during construction, and a community that cares deeply about the Virginia Aquarium and what it represents.
We take that seriously.
A Note of Gratitude
This recognition belongs to every member of the Sussex team who worked on this project, along with the Virginia Aquarium staff and city partners who trusted us with something that mattered. We’re grateful for the collaborative relationship that made this project a success.
The Virginia Aquarium has called the new center an advancement that sets a new precedent across AZA-accredited facilities. We’re proud to have built it.