General Heating and Air Conditioning, Inc. - Commercial Services: Athletic Facilities

"As our lead mechanical contractor, General had complete responsibility to coordinate the Kohl Center's mechanical system layout. They re-drew all the systems to make sure everything would fit when and where it was supposed to fit. And it does!"

John Rodell
Badger Sports Development

The Kohl Center is home to the University of Wisconsin's high profile indoor sports competition.

Since it opened in January of 1998, the Kohl Center has been the high visibility jewel of the University of Wisconsin's athletic facilities. It seats 18,000 for basketball and ice hockey. It's home to concerts and graduation ceremonies. There are locker rooms, concession areas, offices and a practice facility. What's more, as only the second facility of its kind in the entire state, it is aesthetically distinctive, functionally remarkable and comfortably "user-friendly". And for those of us who had a hand in it, the story behind building it is every bit as compelling and satisfying as it is now for those who enjoy using it today.

To actually build this mammoth facility, Badger Sports Development selected the Oscar J. Boldt Company of Appleton, Wisconsin, as the construction manager. General Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. was chosen to serve as the lead mechanical contractor for this high profile project. Employing the Fast Track method of construction, the Kohl Center rose off the drawing boards to reality in just twenty months. It was a challenge to meet the aggressive schedule, especially considering the critical design and construction issues that had to be worked out while the project was moving full speed ahead.

General installed the heating, air conditioning and ventilation system. But to appreciate how that was accomplished, one needs to recognize the unique circumstance of this particular project. As John Rodell, construction coordinator for Badger Sports Development explains: "We had to solve problems before we began working. It was a very pro-active approach. General was selected because of their comprehensive capacities, and they were an outstanding choice. They brought us some extremely creative ideas."

As the lead mechanical contractor, General was responsible for developing CAD drawings so that other trades could coordinate and schedule their work activities, while minimizing costly field conflicts.

The biggest concern was insulating the arena's supply air handling system for thermal and acoustical control. Thermal control prevents condensation during hockey games. Acoustical control provides a quiet setting for events such as graduations.

A distinguishing feature of this system is the low level of noise criteria. General redesigned the ductwork, using double-wall duct and fittings that not only met the very precise acoustical specifications of the project but also improved installation time, and lowered costs, by eliminating the extra step of wrapping insulation around the assembled ductwork. Low frequency duct silencers were added for additional noise control. When all eight fans are operating, the system can produce up to 400,000 cubic feet per minute of air flow.

We are proud to have been a part of the construction team which built this first rate facility for the University of Wisconsin and the Madison community. For each and every one of us, it will be an enduring professional legacy for years to come.

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