The arena is starting to emerge

Currently, the structural framework for the east, south, and west sides of the Arena bowl have been installed up to the Concourse (second floor) level.

The foundation for the Arena is essentially complete now, with approximately 4000 CY of reinforced concrete placed to date.   The floor slab will be constructed this spring.  Work has also started on the Convention Center foundations and is expected to be completed in January.  This portion of the foundation system is much less complex than the Arena.  All concrete placement is inspected and tests are performed on an ongoing basis.  Quality of work is excellent.  Thermal protection is now being provided for new concrete placements and curing.

Essentially all underfloor utilities in the Arena footprint have been installed, as well as onsite storm drainage and sewer piping external to the building.  New sanitary sewer mains in adjacent streets will be installed later this year.  Bangor Hydro will upgrade the Main St. distribution system later this spring.

Erection of structural framing members started on December 12, and progress has been excellent.  Initially vertical precast columns were installed around much of the Arena floor perimeter.  This was followed by horizontal precast concrete beams, and many structural steel columns and beams.   Currently, the structural framework for the east, south, and west sides of the Arena bowl have been installed up to the Concourse (second floor) level.   Much of the steel framing to the Suite (third floor) level has also been installed on the east and south sides of the Arena.  Additionally, Precast concrete plank decking has been installed for the Concourse level floor on the west side, and steel pan Concourse floor decking in in place on the east and south sides.  The form of the building is now becoming quite visible.

A considerable amount of sitework has been completed over the past month, much of it involving backfilling and grading the deep excavations - particularly between the new facility and the existing auditorium.  The gas main installation was completed on Dutton Street, and service to the Bass Park Complex established.  Block masonry work has started on the stair tower at the main entrance at the southwest corner of the Arena.  Normally this type of work would commence in warmer weather, but construction of this element is necessary for support of some of the structural steel framing.  This masonry work will be done within a heated temporary enclosure.

Overall, the project continues to progress extremely well and is right on schedule.