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HomeMy WebLinkAboutBraemar NR_Design Concept Unveil_V2Contact: Steve Peckham, Project Communications Coordinator Phone 952-826-0456 • SPeckham@EdinaMN.gov • EdinaMN.gov  Plans for Braemar Arena Updates and Expansion Move Forward Construction Will Begin This Summer  Edina, Minn., Jan. 1, 2025 – Plans for the refresh, renovation and expansion project at Braemar Arena took a significant step forward today when City of Edina staff unveiled the overall design concept. The core project includes transforming Braemar’s outdoor ice rink into a state-of-the art, fourth indoor rink that will create greater event scheduling flexibility year-round, take weather conditions out of the equation and allow more spectators to enjoy the action at Braemar. The floor of the existing outdoor rink, known as the Backyard Rink, will be used for the new indoor rink construction, saving funds for other Braemar improvements. The City is also exploring how other parts of the Backyard Rink could potentially be reused in another location. New and updated lobby areas, accessibility improvements for all users and critical infrastructure systems upgrades to existing rinks are also included in the core project. “This is an especially complex project, because Braemar Arena has rinks in various lifecycle stages, including one that opened in 1965. An immense amount of planning work was done behind the scenes to ensure this core concept design will ultimately help us build a better Braemar within our budget, but also create a better user experience,” said Parks & Recreation Director Perry Vetter. “Now, we’re excited to dive into the detailed design phase and begin initial construction this summer.” Braemar’s Use to Increase Edina residents previously approved a half-cent sales and use tax to fund the $45.2 million project to modernize and expand Braemar Arena. The sales tax is paid for by all those who shop in Edina, including non-residents, many of whom use Braemar as well. Edina’s legendary multi-rink facility and a major hub for hockey, figure skating and learn-to-skate programs attracts more than 1 million visits every year from the United States and other countries. The expansion is expected to increase visits. Getting Around Arena Will Be Easier and Safer A new central corridor leading to a new second lobby between the fourth indoor rink and the north end of the iconic West Rink will make it easier for teams and fans to navigate the arena. The second lobby will reduce congestion in one of the busiest arenas in the region and create more convenient access to Braemar’s north-end tenant spaces. A dedicated drop-off and pick-up lane will provide safer and more efficient traffic flow. ADA-friendly team rooms and restrooms will be added, as well as dedicated wheelchair viewing platforms in each rink. Handrails will be added in the West Rink and other spectator seating areas for safety. -more- Better Ice, More Comfortable Arena New water filtration and refrigeration systems will significantly improve ice quality, resulting in smoother, harder ice, which means fewer ruts and shards, easier maintenance and better skating conditions for athletes. Upgraded dehumidification systems will make spectator areas more comfortable and locker rooms better ventilated. In-ice logos, lines and sponsorships will look sharper and ice will stay cleaner with less buildup during use. New ice systems will reduce the risk of cancellations or delays. “We met with leaders from Braemar’s user groups over the past couple months to share preliminary plans,” said Jesse Buchholz, General Manager of Braemar Arena. “The feedback was positive, the dialogue has been helpful and we’ll continue to engage our users during this next phase. One of the common feedback themes has been to protect the heritage of Braemar’s historic West Rink at all costs, so we’re doing exactly that. Only ADA-compliant additions and ice-making upgrades will be made there.” JLG Architects, a nationally recognized leader in ice arena design, is providing design services for the Braemar project and construction will be led by Knutson Construction. Knutson brings a strong track record of managing complex building renovations that occur while buildings remain open for public use. Early on, City officials ruled out an approach to close Braemar Arena during construction, because it would cause far too much interruption for the many organizations who use arena. The detailed design development and construction documentation phase will be completed this summer. Construction at Braemar Arena is slated to begin this summer and wrap up in Fall of 2027. Visit BetterTogetherEdina.org/braemar-arena-upgrades-and-expansion to follow along with Braemar Arena Updates and Expansion news. -30- Cutline for 3D Concept Rendering: Braemar Arena’s expansion will include a new fourth indoor rink, a central corridor leading to a second lobby area, ADA-compliant accessibility and critical infrastructure system upgrades. Alt text for 3D Core Concept Visual: Map of arena showing four indoor rinks, two lobbies connected by a central corridor as well as parking areas.   Edina, Minn., Jan. 1, 2025 – Plans for the refresh, renovation and expansion project at Braemar Arena took a significant step forward today when City of Edina staff unveiled the overall design concept. The core project includes transforming Braemar’s outdoor ice rink into a state-of-the art, fourth indoor rink that will create greater event scheduling flexibility year-round, take weather conditions out of the equation and allow more spectators to enjoy the action at Braemar. The floor of the existing outdoor rink, known as the Backyard Rink, will be used for the new indoor rink construction, saving funds for other Braemar improvements. The City is also exploring how other parts of the Backyard Rink could potentially be reused in another location. New and updated lobby areas, accessibility improvements for all users and critical infrastructure systems upgrades to existing rinks are also included in the core project. “This is an especially complex project, because Braemar Arena has rinks in various lifecycle stages, including one that opened in 1965. An immense amount of planning work was done behind the scenes to ensure this core concept design will ultimately help us build a better Braemar within our budget, but also create a better user experience,” said Parks & Recreation Director Perry Vetter. “Now, we’re excited to dive into the detailed design phase and begin initial construction this summer.” Braemar’s Use to Increase Edina residents previously approved a half-cent sales and use tax to fund the $45.2 million project to modernize and expand Braemar Arena. The sales tax is paid for by all those who shop in Edina, including non-residents, many of whom use Braemar as well. Edina’s legendary multi-rink facility and a major hub for hockey, figure skating and learn-to-skate programs attracts more than 1 million visits every year from the United States and other countries. The expansion is expected to increase visits. Getting Around Arena Will Be Easier and Safer A new central corridor leading to a new second lobby between the fourth indoor rink and the north end of the iconic West Rink will make it easier for teams and fans to navigate the arena. The second lobby will reduce congestion in one of the busiest arenas in the region and create more convenient access to Braemar’s north-end tenant spaces. A dedicated drop-off and pick-up lane will provide safer and more efficient traffic flow. ADA-friendly team rooms and restrooms will be added, as well as dedicated wheelchair viewing platforms in each rink. Handrails will be added in the West Rink and other spectator seating areas for safety. -more- Better Ice, More Comfortable Arena New water filtration and refrigeration systems will significantly improve ice quality, resulting in smoother, harder ice, which means fewer ruts and shards, easier maintenance and better skating conditions for athletes. Upgraded dehumidification systems will make spectator areas more comfortable and locker rooms better ventilated. In-ice logos, lines and sponsorships will look sharper and ice will stay cleaner with less buildup during use. New ice systems will reduce the risk of cancellations or delays. “We met with leaders from Braemar’s user groups over the past couple months to share preliminary plans,” said Jesse Buchholz, General Manager of Braemar Arena. “The feedback was positive, the dialogue has been helpful and we’ll continue to engage our users during this next phase. One of the common feedback themes has been to protect the heritage of Braemar’s historic West Rink at all costs, so we’re doing exactly that. Only ADA-compliant additions and ice-making upgrades will be made there.” JLG Architects, a nationally recognized leader in ice arena design, is providing design services for the Braemar project and construction will be led by Knutson Construction. Knutson brings a strong track record of managing complex building renovations that occur while buildings remain open for public use. Early on, City officials ruled out an approach to close Braemar Arena during construction, because it would cause far too much interruption for the many organizations who use arena. The detailed design development and construction documentation phase will be completed this summer. Construction at Braemar Arena is slated to begin this summer and wrap up in Fall of 2027. Visit BetterTogetherEdina.org/braemar-arena-upgrades-and-expansion to follow along with Braemar Arena Updates and Expansion news. -30- Cutline for 3D Concept Rendering: Braemar Arena’s expansion will include a new fourth indoor rink, a central corridor leading to a second lobby area, ADA-compliant accessibility and critical infrastructure system upgrades. Alt text for 3D Core Concept Visual: Map of arena showing four indoor rinks, two lobbies connected by a central corridor as well as parking areas.