Progress made on arena despite rains

The push is on to enclose the arena section of the Health, Human Performance and Athletic Center before fall. Construction has continued despite heavy spring rains.

"The overall project is moving forward," said Mike Koch of the Kiewit Building Group. "We are working through the rain and wet weather -- the project schedule is to have the building fully enclosed by this coming fall to allow for the interior finishes to be completed through this coming winter."

Read the progress report, below:

• Footings and foundations are 95% complete, with a break in the weather these could be complete in a week or two.
• Structural steel erection is moving forward, with the backfill of arena complete this allowed the upper level footings to be placed which when complete made it possible to complete the structural steel erection. There still remains some detailing and miscellaneous steel to erect, but the main structure of the arena is now in place. The structure for the fieldhouse is scheduled to begin erection by middle of June.
• With structural steel complete, the exterior skin of the building which is precast concrete panels have been placed on all foundation walls from the lower level.
• Metal stud framing as well as masonry are progressing in the building, the majority of interior walls in the arena have been built, as the exterior of the building is completed and the building is enclosed drywall and finishes will continue.
• Lower level concrete slabs have been on hold due to the continuous wet weather, as it starts drying out, different areas in the lower level will have the concrete floors placed.
• The site will be graded and have first course of the parking lot in place by the end of fall.