Duluth Entertainment Convention Center Selects Mortenson for New Arena

Minneapolis, MN – A major step has been taken in the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center’s commitment to get its new multi-purpose arena, which will serve as home for the University of Minnesota Duluth hockey teams, under construction with the DECC Board’s selection of Mortenson Construction as the project’s general contractor/construction manager at risk.
 
“The DECC is fortunate that one of the world’s premier construction companies is right down I-35 in Minneapolis,” said Mark Emmel, DECC board president. “Mortenson is very familiar with Minnesota and its construction seasons, they’re leaders in green/sustainable construction, and as our construction manager ‘at risk,’ Mortenson guarantees that the project’s cost will not exceed the budget.”
 
Mortenson’s most recent projects in Duluth include the St. Mary’s Duluth Clinic First Street Building expansion and the UMD Swenson Science Building.  Since 1987 when it began building sports facilities, Mortenson has become one of the top four national builders of sports centers.  Some of the company’s local sports facility experience includes the new Minnesota Twins Ballpark, the University of Minnesota’s TCF Bank Stadium, Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Target Center in Minneapolis and the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
 
Emmel said ground is expected to be broken on the new DECC arena this fall, requiring the skills of more than 300 local union construction workers.
 
“Like the rest of the community, our members were pleased when the state approved its funding in April,” said Craig Olson, president of the Duluth Building and Construction Trades Council. “We’re all set to help Duluth make this major addition a building we can all be proud of for years.” 
 
“We appreciate the DECC board’s trust in our capabilities, and we’re ready to begin immediately,” said Mortenson Vice President Ken Sorensen. “We’re looking forward to working with the community to build the world’s first arena that will be certified as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building.”