What started as an April Fool’s joke has turned into a dead serious effort to convert Brookwood Village into an aquarium.

A day after Bham Now’s April Fool’s joke reporting that developers are turning the defunct shopping center into an aquarium, a change.org petition is gathering steam to do just that.

“An aquarium in our town would not only provide a unique learning environment for children but also attract tourists, boosting our local economy,” reads the petition created by Chelsea Johnson.

As of late Tuesday afternoon, the petition had more than 500 signers.

“As a local resident of Birmingham, I have seen the once bustling Brookwood Village Mall fall into disuse and abandonment,” Johnson wrote. “This space could be better utilized to serve our community in a way that is both educational and entertaining. We propose to transform this deserted mall into an aquarium.”

“An aquarium in our town would not only provide a unique learning environment for children but also attract tourists, boosting our local economy,” the petition states. “According to the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), accredited facilities like zoos and aquariums contribute $22.5 billion to the US economy annually and support more than 198,000 jobs nationwide.Moreover, it would offer us an opportunity to foster environmental awareness among residents and visitors alike by showcasing marine life’s beauty and fragility. The National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) states that exposure to marine education programs can significantly increase knowledge about ocean conservation issues.”

Bham Now posted the fake story on April Fool’s Day, complete with a doctored Brookwood Aquarium sign and a photoshopped fish.

Despite the joke, several social media users said the fake proposal was a great idea.

“Can we turn this joke into a reality?” one asked.

“Funny but for a moment, this is the best idea I’ve heard for redevelopment of the ol’ place,” another added.

Brookwood Village’s future has not yet been settled.

“The team who will shepherd the property into its next life includes Fairway Investments and Colliers | Alabama, both of Birmingham, and Pope & Land of Atlanta.  This team is working hard to re-envision the property while continuing to consult with the three municipalities involved – Homewood, Mountain Brook, and Jefferson County,” reads the shopping center’s website. We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.”