-By Adam Figman

In hopes of attracting both tourists and cruise ship passengers, the Port Canaveral Authority has proposed a plan to build Canaveral Cove, a development that will include a maritime history museum and an observation tower.  The project is expected to cost between $25 million and $30 million.

Coordinating the planning and design of the Brevard County, Florida-based venture will be The Cecil Group, Inc., with Gallagher & Associates, Cortina Productions, and Jack Hurley acting as the creative team.  As of now, these consultants are considering the feasibility of the construction.

The observation tower is expected to provide an aerial view – over the cruise ships – of the port and neighboring area, while a visitor’s center and an amphitheater may also be added.

Canaveral Cove, if completed by 2013 as planned, will serve as the destination of the 500th anniversary celebration of Ponce de Leon’s landing on the Sunshine State in April of 1513. The Port Authority plans to add an architect for the visitor’s center and museum, as well as an engineer for the observation tower, to the design team in the near future.