Target Center Renovation

[BigIdeasGuy]

If this project doesn't happen for whatever reason I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. At the end of the day you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. And for multiple reason's, interior and exterior, out Target Center is a sow's ear.

[moda253]

If this project doesn't happen for whatever reason I'm not going to lose any sleep over it. At the end of the day you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear. And for multiple reason's, interior and exterior, out Target Center is a sow's ear.

Inside there is nothing wrong with the Target Center aside from some amenities that could be put in. Outside it never fit into it's location.

[Didier]

The interior renovations are much more important for Target Center's future competitiveness and profitability. The place is old and dumpy and has a subpar seating bowl.

[nordeast homer]

I was talking to some of the staff regarding the floor that they have and it sounds like the computer they have that runs the floor (remember, it raises and lowers for hockey, basketball, and other events), is so antiquated that when it broke down they had to shop garage sales to find one that would run the system. With the remodel the system and the floor will be upgraded, this may be one of the major factors in keeping the arena viable.

[moda253]

The interior renovations are much more important for Target Center's future competitiveness and profitability. The place is old and dumpy and has a subpar seating bowl.

Sure but I don't' think they are doing anything major structurally to the inside. Lighting and paint mostly. I think they were going to reconfigure some escalastors too no?

[Tyler]

Nah, there is a lot more than that. Concessions, rest rooms, locker rooms, luxury suits, seating, etc. All that's being re-done.

[TroyGBiv]

Arent there supposed to be a lot of new escalators? I thought I had heard that that was a major part of the budget.

[grant1simons2]

http://targetcenterrenovation.org/plans.php

When you look at the "Plans" section of the Target Reno website, it says they are updating and reconstructing the blueprints and renderings. Just found that interesting, makes it sound like they're working on a different design.

[Jfuss]

http://targetcenterrenovation.org/plans.php

When you look at the "Plans" section of the Target Reno website, it says they are updating and reconstructing the blueprints and renderings. Just found that interesting, makes it sound like they're working on a different design.

I believe that information has been there since the picked the architect, which was maybe a year ago.

[grant1simons2]

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/297035591.html

A little update on this as a city committee plans to review plans to put more money into the stadium renovation to match inflation. At the same time, the amount of money the city planned for long term building improvements would drop from $50 million to $30 million. The last paragraph got me excited though

The proposed changes are subject to approval from the City Council, which must also sign off on a maximum project budget sometime this summer. If all goes to plan, the project would begin construction in late 2015 and finish in late 2016.

[mattaudio]

So is it not too late for the new council to shoot this down?

[HiawathaGuy]

http://www.startribune.com/local/blogs/297035591.html

A little update on this as a city committee plans to review plans to put more money into the stadium renovation to match inflation. At the same time, the amount of money the city planned for long term building improvements would drop from $50 million to $30 million. The last paragraph got me excited though

The proposed changes are subject to approval from the City Council, which must also sign off on a maximum project budget sometime this summer. If all goes to plan, the project would begin construction in late 2015 and finish in late 2016.

Very good news! Can't wait for this to get underway.
I just love all the work happening downtown (current & proposed) and throughout the metro.
It's a stark contrast to several other similar-sized Midwestern cities.

[acs]

Wait... Late 2015 to early 2016, that's right in the heart of the NBA season. Where will the Wolves play?

[HiawathaGuy]

Wait... Late 2015 to early 2016, that's right in the heart of the NBA season. Where will the Wolves play?

William's Arena... J/K.
I believe they have a plan to do all of this in conjunction with basketball season, IIRC.

[talindsay]

Funny how "where will ____ play" isn't ever a problem question for any of our sports teams. We have no shortage of facilities.

[John]

So is it not too late for the new council to shoot this down?

Doubtful. Even Lisa Goodman, who is usually a staunch opponent of public subsidies for big projects like this, is supportive of increasing the construction budget. She is exactly on the mark with her comments in the StarTribune. This is the only chance to do it right which also means renovating the exterior. It is a terrible introverted fortress design that needs to open up and engage with the public realm better.

[MN Fats]

Funny how "where will ____ play" isn't ever a problem question for any of our sports teams. We have no shortage of facilities.

Hah I hadn't thought of that but you're very correct. Everyone has at least one sufficient backup option.

[HiawathaGuy]

Makes sense that they need to do the majority of the interior work during the off-season.

Target Center's renovation unlikely to take shape until 2016
http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/b ... shape.html

... "They could work on the exterior of the building while events are going on," he said. "They could work on the 20,000 square feet we are vacating when we move our offices. That wouldn't impact our (2015-2016) season."

Other improvements — like seating, clubs, concourses and a new lobby — couldn't happen until 2016. ...

[nfschauer]

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/04/0 ... enovation/

[Lancestar2]

http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2015/04/0 ... enovation/

Wow! Finally it starts... Is there any information on the construction numbers this project will hire? Will all three stadiums construction overlap? (MLS, Vikings Stadium,and Target Center) Also with all the other towers being built what impact is there on the construction labor force? Are these workers typically the suburb house builders of before the bust that are finding work downtown or are we seeing out of state workers? Anyone have any thoughts on that issue? Or is this construction boom downtown not that big?