Mortenson Construction Receives National Design-Build Award for Renovation of Cheney Stadium

Bellevue, WA - Mortenson Construction has received a national design-build award from theDesign-Build Institute of America (DBIA) for the renovation of Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Wash. DBIA presented the award on Oct. 20 during the National Design-Build Conference and Expo in Orlando, Fla. Design-build is an integrated approach that delivers design and construction services under one contract with a single point of responsibility. Owners select design-build delivery to achieve best value while meeting schedule, cost and quality goals.

The National Design-Build Awards recognize outstanding projects that demonstrated successful application of design-build strategies, which resulted in a superior facility that exceeds the owner’s needs.

“We are very honored to receive a national award that recognizes not only project success but also the teamwork necessary to achieve exceptional results,” Mortenson Vice President Jim Yowan said. “The project was a success as a result of the strong collaboration and partnership among the City of Tacoma, the Tacoma Rainiers, Belay Architecture, and Populous. Our team partners’ hard work and dedication is what helped make the successful completion of this project possible in only seven months.”

Cheney Stadium Renovation
Cheney Stadium is home to the Tacoma Rainiers – the Triple-A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The design-build team was led by Mortenson Construction and included Belay Architecture and Populous as design partners. As a fast-tracked project, the renovation was completed in seven months – from the final home game on Sept. 2, 2010, to substantial completion on March 30, 2011.

“To deliver what is essentially a brand new ballpark, in a period of seven months, was a remarkable process to be associated with,” Rainiers Team President Aaron Artman said. “It’s a near perfect blend of 50-plus years of nostalgia with the modern design and amenities you’d expect at a cutting-edge sports venue. We’re proud to have Mortensen and their leadership team be the driving force behind the new Cheney Stadium.”

Cheney Stadium now includes 16 luxury suites, a 4,000-square-foot club and restaurant, new administrative team offices, a right field seating berm, a new entry through left field, and upgraded dugouts. The new stadium has twice as many restrooms, increased concessions and handicapped seating, and an improved public concourse, as well as a new press facility and team clubhouse. Parts of the original stadium remain, including the seating bowl.

“The Cheney Stadium project met, and even exceeded, our expectations to create a first-class baseball park from a 50-year-old stadium and yet maintain that great baseball legacy the original stadium possessed,” said Cynthia Davis, operations manager with the City of Tacoma. “M. A. Mortenson and their team provided us a first-class ballpark under budget and on time. The stadium is a refurbished icon for the City of Tacoma and its citizens.”

About the Tacoma Rainiers
The Tacoma Rainiers are the Triple-A Affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. The franchise boasts the longest running membership in the Pacific Coast League. The Rainiers recently earned the 2010 Pacific Coast League championship title and are locally owned by The Baseball Club of Tacoma. All 72 home games and many more community events are held annually at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Wash. For more information or season tickets, visit www.tacomarainiers.com or call (253) 752-7707.

About Belay Architecture
Belay Architecture provides superior service to public, municipal, federal and private clients through progressive design, collaborative leadership and effective teamwork. Located in Tacoma, Wash., Belay Architecture takes great pride in working with Northwest communities to achieve their goals. The firm specializes in delivering projects through the design-build project delivery process. In addition to Cheney Stadium, Belay Architecture recently completed the New Olympia City Hall, a LEED Gold certified municipal project, and a new gymnasium for Bellarmine Preparatory High School. Belay Architecture has successfully delivered award-winning projects for the U.S. Navy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Homeland Security. For more information go to www.belayarchitecture.com.

About Populous
Since inception in 1983, Populous has grown into the world’s leading design firm dedicated exclusively to creating environments that draw people and communities together for unforgettable experiences. The firm has completed more than 1,000 projects around the globe with a construction value exceeding $20 billion. Populous has worked with 24 major league baseball franchises, 30 NFL franchises, 80 professional and civic arena clients, 40 global soccer and rugby teams, 120 universities, 40 convention center clients, 29 equestrian clients and has planned more than 30 major worldwide events.