Yates Mill Aquatic Species Propagation Facility

Cooper Tacia’s Civil & Marine division was contracted to perform specialized construction and renovation work for the Yates Mill Aquatic Species Propagation Facility (now known as the Yates Mill Aquatic Conservation Center) at Historic Yates Mill County Park in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The project involved the renovation of approximately 5,000 square feet of the existing research wing, along with the construction of modest expansion space to support advanced aquatic conservation efforts. The scope included extensive installation of aquatic tanks, associated piping systems, pumps, a generator, and other unique accommodations tailored for the propagation, research, and holding of imperiled freshwater species such as mussels, fish, and salamanders.

This work was designed by the talented team at Huffman Architects. These improvements contributed to the facility’s mission—supported by partnerships including North Carolina State University, NCDOT, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and others—to conserve North Carolina’s rare aquatic species through propagation, research, education, and outreach, mitigating impacts from regional infrastructure projects.