Owner
The University of Denver
Contract
$6,926,000 Lump Sum
Services
- Piping
- Plumbing
- Sheet Metal
- Temperature Controls
INSTITUTIONAL
Daniel L. Ritchie Wellness & Sports Center
Denver, CO
This 440,000-square-foot Ritchie Wellness & Sports Center was built on the site of the old hockey arena, which was demolished in 1997. The multifaceted complex offers venues for the DU hockey dynasty, as well basketball, swimming, concerts and other events, along with student/faculty fitness.
Its signature 215-foot bell tower contains 65 bells, one more than any other bell tower in the United States. There are 6,200 seats for hockey, 7,200 for basketball and 8,200 for concerts, lectures and community events. Swimming facilities include an Olympic size pool with depths to accommodate three-meter springboards. A separate, attached structure houses an additional ice sheet utilized for practices and community hockey programs.
The project presented unique challenges for mechanical construction due to the facility’s multiple-use design. We installed all plumbing, piping and sheet metal systems for the entire project, which included extensive dehumidification systems in both the hockey and natatorium areas, and large-volume, high and quiet (sound attenuated) ductwork in the main arena to facilitate comfort for activities ranging from ice hockey to lectures.