Odenheimer District at Audubon Zoo
The Odenheimer District at Audubon Zoo reactivates one of the zoo’s oldest and most iconic areas through a thoughtful blend of historic restoration, strategic site planning, and contemporary interventions that transform an underutilized corner into a welcoming, climate-conscious destination for families.
Phase 1 of the Odenheimer District focuses on the renovation and expansion of three existing buildings, the addition of one new structure, and comprehensive site and wayfinding improvements to unify the district.
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Historic image of Rotunda's natural ventilation strategies
Image of Rotunda's prior use as the original Aquarium
Located at the historic heart of Audubon Zoo, the Odenheimer District revitalizes a collection of early 20th-century structures that once anchored the zoo’s original aquarium. Centered on the Odenheimer Rotunda, the district had gradually become disconnected from primary visitor paths, with only a small portion of guests reaching the area despite its popular animal collections and rare indoor, air-conditioned spaces.
Historic architectural drawings from Favrot & Livaudais Architects, dated February 1, 1923.
Our design reframes the district as a cohesive campus rather than a series of isolated buildings. A new southern entry establishes a clear gateway, responding to contemporary visitor flow and drawing guests naturally into the district. Strategic sitework, landscape elements, and integrated wayfinding unify the three primary structures, creating a legible sense of place and encouraging exploration.
Exterior section perspective of entry into Odenheimer Rotunda
At the architectural scale, the project restores and preserves the character of the 1920s-era Rotunda while introducing a contemporary addition that interprets historic forms through a modern lens. Interior upgrades and coordinated exhibit planning support an engaging, family-friendly experience, emphasizing the district’s role as an “indoor oasis” for young children and caregivers with strollers. Together, these interventions breathe new life into the zoo’s oldest precinct, reestablishing the Odenheimer District as an active, educational, and memorable destination within Audubon Zoo.