More than 400 express interest in ice hockey
KINGSTON, R.I. — March 22, 2002 — Workers have completed the roof and have made substantial progress on the walls for the $12 million University of Rhode Island ice arena.
The north wall (the one closest to Keaney Gym) is complete and much of the west wall is done. Both the walls and roof are fully insulated.
These latest steps follow completion of the steel frame in January.
Unlike industrial corrugated metal buildings, the ice arena features foam insulated rigid wall panels the color of sandstone. Wall panel installation will continue through April.
“These are architecturally and functionally more attractive and long-lasting than the typical field panels,” said Larry Bacher, of Gilbane Building Co., the program manager for the project.
The first concrete pour for the building’s floor will be next week, with the concrete slab for the ice floor to be poured later in the project.
In addition, masons will begin next week installing scaffolding for the masonry work on the east façade, the location of the entrance, locker rooms, rental shop and concession stand.
Interest in the project has been building since 250 people turned out on the hottest day of last summer to launch construction of the 2,500-seat ice arena, one of only two ice rinks in Rhode Island that will operate year round.
“Interest in the ice facility remains strong,” Terry Butler, of Global Spectrum, manager of the ice arena, said recently, as more than 400 potential players have already
expressed interest in the Southern Rhode Island Hockey Organization. “We have also hired Jewell Augustine, as our skating director, who will organize Learn-to-Skate programs for the community.”
A.F. Lusi Construction Inc. of Greenville is building the arena, while Symmes Maini & McKee Associates of Cambridge, Mass., is working with Lusi on the architectural and engineering portion of the 60,000-square-foot project. HOK Sports Facility Group of Kansas City, architects for the Convocation Center, prepared the bid specification documents for the ice arena. Gilbane Building Co. is the program manager for both facilities.
When it is opened in September, the arena will be available seven days a week, 15 hours a day.
For a digital image of the ice arena, please contact Dave Lavallee, URI public information officer at 401-874-2116.
For Information: Dave Lavallee 401-874-2116