How to Build an Ice Arena Project (Or Bust!)

So, you’ve decided to build an Ice Rink.  All the excitement, success and glory stand in front of you.  There’s nothing in your way.  Thousands of families, children, excitement and fun will be seen everywhere.  The cash will roll in and you’ll smile every time you walk in the door.  It’s possible, but, not without a strong foundation. That foundation is built upon a few blocks:  Client, Time, Program, Expertise and Need.  You will find that these keys are all interrelated, relying of the success of the others.  You cannot build a facility $3 million over budget – you cannot overcharge your hourly rates nor can you operate for 32 hours a day. As an architect, I am surprised by how many forget or have a narrowed view of who the client is.  The client is kids, families, hockey skaters, public skaters, figure skaters, churches, schools, old, young, new and novice skaters – not just one client but many clients.  Any project which focuses on one client is far short of its potential.  Diversification is a key to any businesses success.  Design a facility which will serve all your potential clients. When you schedule your ice, you pay attention to daily, weekly and yearly needs.  You must do the same with the construction of your project.  You cannot have a successful first year if you open mid February.  It must be noted that your schedule is the most important factor affecting not only design, but your abilities to meet commitments.