WI Arena Nears 80% Mark, Exterior Finishes
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2018
News outlets out of Wisconsin are reporting that the $524 million Milwaukee Bucks arena is nearing 80 percent completion, with its target of opening in the fall still in sight.
The Journal Sentinel released an updated drone video of the site and noted that a portion of the building is an unexpected vibrant shade of green.
A Mortenson spokesperson confirmed that the color comes from the air and vapor barrier. The area is the last that still needs to be covered up by a combination of zinc panels, composite panels, corrugated panels and curtainwall.
There are currently about 665 workers on site, and events at the arena are scheduled as early as Sept. 13. Construction on the rest of the entertainment space will take place this spring.
About the Project
The 714,000-square-foot multi-use facility will feature a grand entry, intimate seating and open concourses and will be covered in that zinc patina exterior, punctuated by glass cutouts.
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The last that of the exterior still needs to be covered up by a combination of zinc panels, composite panels, corrugated panels and curtainwall. |
“The hand-crafted zinc and glass exterior wraps the energy of a multi-purpose arena full of social gathering spaces and a new public plaza extends the development as a year-round catalyst for the transformation of downtown Milwaukee,” said Brad Clark, senior principal at Populous, which was tapped as the design lead early in 2016 (along with Wisconsin-based firms Eppstein Uhen and HNTB).
The look of the panels was met with criticism, some calling it too “rustic.” Designers maintained that it will make the arena a unique feature to the cityscape and borrows from the region’s natural environment of rivers, lakes and forests.
Tagged categories: Air barriers; Building Envelope; Commercial Construction; Glass; Stadiums/Sports Facilities; Wood composites; Zinc
