The higher-than-expected water table that sits below the arena site did influence the project’s design, but the changes are part of the evolutionary design process, said Erik Judson of JMI Sports, the leading arena developer.
“There’s an evolution taking place in the design of this building,” Judson told the Emerald on Wednesday. “Is it cost driven? Absolutely. Is it engineering driven? Absolutely … But has there been something that we’ve made a mistake and are reacting to it? No. It’s the evolution of the design.”
Developers discovered the height of the water table in an engineering report that studied the ground below the arena, Judson said.
The discovery influenced their decision to move the practice structure above ground and widen the parking structure base so it is only three stories below ground, Judson said.
“It’s a very fluid process because you don’t necessarily find the right answer immediately,” Judson said.
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