The University of Wisconsin is mapping out a Kohl Center expansion, looking to add improved student-athlete facilities to the venue.
Home to the university’s basketball and men’s hockey programs, Kohl Center would see its footprint expanded as part of a $42 million project being planned by university officials. Planned to be constructed over a southwest corner loading dock, the 42,000-square-foot, three-story addition would feature a range of student-athlete amenities that include a strength and conditioning area, sports medicine and rehab rooms, and academic support space. Current plans call for the academic space to be included on the arena’s mezzanine level addition, with the other facilities located on the main concourse level.
The design concepts received a favorable reception Wednesday, when they were presented to the Madison Urban Design Commission. Wisconsin is hoping to begin construction either late next year or early 2021, with a goal of wrapping up the project in 2023. More from the Wisconsin State Journal:
Preliminary designs show each of those areas at least doubling in size compared to the existing Kohl Center layout, said Jason King, UW’s senior associate athletic director for capital projects and operations.
“In some of our areas, there was a definite need to have more space,” he said. “So when we evaluated that, this seemed like a really natural project. This was a priority for us.”
Madison’s Urban Design Commission had a favorable reaction to an informational presentation on the plans Wednesday. Commissioners complimented the design for blending in with the existing building and not looking like an addition.
UW is targeting a start of construction in late 2020 or early 2021, with the project’s completion expected in 2023.
In addition, the plans outline renovations to existing facilities at the Kohl Center, including the conversion of an existing media room into a premium club space, expanded basketball locker rooms, and a new nutrition hub. Kohl Center originally opened in 1998.
Rendering courtesy Berners-Schober Architects.
