Mortenson China Unveils Shanghai World Expo Performing Arts Center

Shanghai, China — Mortenson China, an office of U.S.–based Mortenson Construction, has expanded its portfolio with the opening of the new Shanghai World Expo Performing Arts Center (SWEPAC) at World Expo 2010.  The $350 million center, which will be renamed the Mercedes-Benz Arena after World Expo 2010, is one of four new venues showcased during the six-month event in Shanghai.  Mortenson provided program management services on the project for U.S. customers Anschutz Entertainment Group (AEG) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Designed by ECADI and Manica Architects, SWEPAC is a world-class entertainment destination that will host a variety of live events following World Expo 2010 including NBA China games, concerts and touring events, and features restaurants, retail, an ice skating rink, a music theater, and cinemas.  It has a total gross floor area of more than 1.3 million square feet over eight levels. 

“Our philosophy is to serve our customers’ needs anywhere in the world,” said David Mortenson, president of Mortenson International.  “We’ve been helping our customers build in China for many years; it’s a dynamic market and represents an opportunity for many U.S. corporations.  Our expertise is in translating North American expectations into the dynamics of fast-paced China.  Our bilingual Chinese-born and American-trained team of professionals assists customers from land acquisition and government negotiations through design and construction.”

In addition to SWEPAC, Mortenson China is also working on the International Sports and Entertainment Center in Guangzhou, China.  Located approximately 100 miles northeast of Hong Kong, this arena will host Asian Games events and be home to a wide variety of world class events such as basketball, skating, and music.

Mortenson China is staffed with senior bilingual professionals who have construction experience in the United States and Asia.  The general manager is Shuke Miao, PE, PhD.  Miao, a Chinese native, attended Tsinghua University—the top engineering school in China—before moving to the United States where he earned his doctorate in structural engineering.  He has worked with Mortenson for more than 15 years.