DCU Center Facelift To Begin In Nov.

A $17.5-million expansion and renovation of the DCU Center will begin Nov. 1, under the direction of Consigli Construction Co. of Milford, the arena's management company and the city announced Tuesday.

The 15,000-seat, city-owned arena, which will mark its 30th anniversary next month, announced renovation plans earlier this year. Elements of the new design include upgrades to both the interior and exterior of the facility. Interior renovations include a redesigned box office, four new event suites, new and upgraded restrooms, an expanded concourse and retail spaces.

Also, improvements will be made to the mechanical and electrical systems, and include a new chiller plant, emergency generator, and upgrades to the fire protection and security systems. The exterior work will complement the architectural and aesthetic design of the convention center as well as construction efforts underway within the nearby CitySquare project, officials said. Also included among exterior improvements are a new façade, digital marquee, streetscape, and a landscaped promenade leading into the facility.

Earlier this year, officials said the renovations are necessary for the arena to compete with other similar venues in New England.

The arena underwent an initial phase of capital improvements in 2009. In 1997, the DCU Center added the convention center.

Consigli emerged from a field of 10 companies that bid on this next phase. A statement from the city and SMG, the Philadelphia company that manages the DCU Center, said Consigli demonstrated significant experience with similar expansion and renovation projects.

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