Design architects for the new Ames/ISU Ice Arena recently were chosen by a special committee of representatives from Iowa State, the City of Ames and ice arena users.

RDG Bussard Dikis, of Des Moines, and Bonestroo Rosene Anderlik and Associates, of St. Paul, Minn. were chosen from a pool of 12 firms.

The companies will work together to design and construct the new arena, said Robert Holzwarth, project manager for ISU’s Facilities Planning and Management and a member of the committee.

“We interviewed five groups from the 12 original applicants, and the committee came to the conclusion that two of the teams were qualified,” Holzwarth said. “From those teams, we checked into their references and past experience and decided that the pairing of RDG and Bonestroo was the best.”

Nancy Carroll, director of Ames Parks and Recreation, said the two firms are more than qualified for the job.

“They’re experienced in both design and construction,” Carroll said. “Bonestroo has worked on over 60 ice arenas all over the country and RDG worked on the Lied Recreation Center. Package these two levels of experience, and you’ve got a winning pair.”

While the committee has gained the approval of ISU President Martin Jischke to move forward on construction negotiations, members still must get the approval of the Ames City Council and the Iowa State Board of Regents.

Both the city council and the Board of Regents have the issue on their dockets next month, and Holzwarth and Carroll said they are optimistic the architectural team will be approved.

Pending approval, construction is anticipated to begin in January 2000 and should be completed by the following fall, just in time for the winter sports season, Holzwarth said.

In the meantime, committee members plan to leave open the existing arena at 1505 Gateway Hills Park Drive.

“We are hopeful that the new arena will open in the fall of 2000,” Carroll said. “Until then, it is our intention to keep the existing arena open for ice users. It has lasted 20 years, so hopefully, it will hold out for another year.”

The total construction budget for the new arena currently is set at $3.7 million. The committee also has received an energy grant of $100,000 to apply toward the construction, Holzwarth said.

Holzwarth said he hopes an early sketch of the new arena will be available to the public soon.