Mortenson was chosen to be the general contractor for the extensive redevelopment of Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington. Part of Mortenson’s scope includes the management of the installation of 26 Level II electric vehicle chargers. The arena is on deck to be the first arena powered only by renewable energy—including both onsite and offsite solar installations—rather than natural gas that had been used. The arena will run solely on electricity for daily operations and will also have the first all-electric dehumidification system in the National Hockey League. In addition, ice will be made using rainwater and refrigerants with zero greenhouse gas emissions. In the reconstruction, saving the landmark roof and digging out a larger subterranean footprint significantly reduced new façade materials needed and reduced the associated greenhouse gas emissions in their supply.

This extensive redevelopment will reposition the venue as the premier sports and entertainment destination in the Northwest. The 18,100-seat arena will feature a completely redesigned interior with new clubs and social spaces, all while preserving the landmark history of the site. Additional highlights include a new atrium, pedestrian plaza, and a premium space that offers views of the event floor, atrium, and the iconic Space Needle. The complex renovation has been likened to “building a ship in a bottle,” as crews lifted and suspended a 44-million-pound roof over the project site, as the arena’s footprint is expanded underground and the walls are rebuilt.