Groundbreaking Set for Fall 2022 with Completion in Fall 2023
RJM Construction along with Watertown, SD-based Crestone Companies to build a long-awaited ice arena facility in Watertown, serving community and youth ice sports that will impact skaters regionally.
The City of Watertown received a $20 million bond for the project on March 14, 2022, setting the build plan into motion on a project that was initially discussed nearly 10 years ago. The project is now in the design phase, led by Minneapolis-based 292 Design Group, and will move into construction this fall. Completion is scheduled for fall 2023. The Watertown arena joins a list of 20 other municipal ice arenas and community centers built by RJM throughout the Upper Midwest.
The city, represented by Tegra Group, selected RJM Construction and Crestone for the arena project based their track records for building state-of-the-art community facilities and working within very defined budgets. “Given complexities with construction materials, subcontractors, estimating and managing demanding timelines, we’re confident the collaboration between RJM and Crestone will ensure we meet our specific project objectives,” said Dick Strassburg, partner with Tegra Group.
“Local participation is critical to the success of all construction projects, especially understanding city and state regulations and the various community relationships that make projects like this succeed,” said Brad Barickman, vice president, community at RJM Construction. “For this very reason, we sought out a partnership with Crestone as we share similar values and an approach to business that will bring great value to the Watertown community.”
The arena, located on First Avenue and 31st Street Northeast in the town’s Willow Creek development, will include 94,000-square-foot with two NHL-sized ice rinks with the potential to include a third rink. The main rink will have capacity for 1,523 spectators, including executive club suites, and the practice rink can accommodate 250 spectators. Public areas will include amenities such as a concession stand, skate rental, room for a pro shop and large, rentable spaces for conferences and private parties.
“We are honored to have been chosen by RJM to be their local construction management partner on the Watertown Ice Arena project,” said Eric Skott, president and CEO of Crestone Companies. “We are humbled by their confidence in the Crestone team to bring value to the partnership by fulfilling our mission of building community with each and every project.”
