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City of Kent Selects M.A. Mortenson Company as its General Contractor and Construction Manager for Proposed Kent Events Center

  • Kent Events Center continues its momentum; City Council approves $959,000 to further design, pre-construction and Environmental Impact Statement process

KENT, WA — January 18, 2007

The City of Kent today announced the selection of M.A. Mortenson Company to provide general contracting and construction management services for the proposed Kent Events Center. Mortenson will begin work immediately on the preconstruction phase of work.

“One of the city’s six strategic goals is to help Kent become a unique urban center with a healthy, vibrant downtown,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. “Kent Station has contributed to the resurgence of downtown Kent and the proposed 6,500-seat Kent Events Center will add to this revival by providing an abundance of family-focused opportunities as well as a sound economic investment for the city.”

Economic forecasting shows that the Kent Events Center would generate more than $1 billion in overall economic activity during the next 30 years and would create 138 long-term jobs and 564 short-term jobs. The Kent Events Center has the potential to make Kent even more of a destination for families in the South King County and the North Pierce County regions.

Mortenson is a family-owned company based in Minneapolis, Minn. Founded in 1954, Mortenson now maintains full-service offices in Chicago, Denver, Milwaukee, Phoenix and Seattle with more than 825 employees nationwide. The work on this project will be supported by the resources from its Seattle office. Granger Stuck will serve as the construction executive on the project and Marvin Doster will be the senior project manager.

“As the nation’s third largest sports facility builder, Mortenson has the depth of experience necessary to take on this project,” said Ben Wolters, City of Kent economic development director.

The Western Hockey League (WHL) Seattle Thunderbirds will be the anchor tenant for the proposed Kent Events Center. The Thunderbirds help young people hone their hockey skills while earning a college education and living with local families. In addition, Thunderbird Junior Hockey is an affordable option for family entertainment.

Kent Events Center on Track for Fall 2008 Opening

On Tuesday, the Kent City Council also approved an additional $959,000 to continue design, pre-construction and Environmental Impact Statement work on the proposed Kent Events Center. Mortenson will work with the city and its architects -- LMN Architects of Seattle in association with PBK Architects of Vancouver, B.C. -- to develop a firm cost estimate for the project and to ensure the building’s design meets the city’s cost, schedule and quality objectives. The revised cost estimate is due back to the city by the first week of March 2007.

The city’s initial contract with Mortenson is valued at approximately $200,000 and runs through May 2007 at which point Mortenson and the city would negotiate a maximum allowable construction cost for the project. If the project continues to move forward, construction will begin in summer 2007 and be completed by fall 2008.

About the City of Kent

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County with a population of more than 85,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks, an exceptional school district, nationally accredited police, and internationally accredited fire departments. In 2003, Kent achieved the status Sportstown Washington by Sports Illustrated Magazine because of the variety of sporting events and attractions. Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. Learn more at: www.chooseKent.com.

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