Council to discuss ice arena options during special Wednesday meeting

Ice arena options in the city of Worthington will be the primary topic discussed during a special city council meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall.

Worthington city staff has been working with consultants HTG Architecture and Greystone Construction in the preparation of schematic plans and estimates of total project costs for various options for consideration by City Council. During Wednesday’s meeting, these different alternatives will be discussed, and a level of funding from the city could be determined.

Options include:

• A new one-sheet facility with a total project cost of $20,875,000. This new facility, to be constructed on city-owned property, would be approximately 48,000 square feet with a single NHL-sized rink, a seating capacity of approximately 750 and multiple amenities.

• Renovation and addition to the existing facility, with a total project cost of $10,700,000. This option includes an addition on the south side of the existing building that will include a new entry, lobby space, viewing area, offices, vending and restrooms. The existing lobby, business and locker area will be renovated to accommodate four visitor locker rooms and two varsity locker rooms.

• Renovation of the existing facility with no addition, with a total project cost of $6,700,000. This option – as does the renovation and addition option -- includes installation of a perimeter frost footing and new exterior wall panels, as well as removal and replacement of the existing rink slab and refrigeration system.

The final option is for the city to not participate in any ice arena upgrades.

The only other item included on Wednesday’s agenda is consideration of a license agreement with Minnesota Energy Resources Corp. for East Okabena Trail.