Gilbane Building Co. completes $80.5m Dunkin' Donuts Center renovations

Gilbane Building Company has completed CM at Risk services for the renovation on the 35-year old Dunkin' Donuts Center, currently home to the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League and the Providence College basketball team. Gilbane's New England region oversaw the complete overhaul of the facility, which included upgrades of nearly all amenities provided for patrons, athletes and performers. Construction included significant renovations throughout the existing facility, as well as a 37,000 s/f addition. The phased construction consisted of several upgraded spectator and athlete amenities as well as a general updating of the facility. Designed by architect Ellerbe Becket Associates, enhancements were made to reconfigure the seating bowl and sightlines, accommodating 12,400-seats for hockey, 14,700-seats for concerts, and 13,300-seats for basketball. Other enhancements and additions include 20 suites, a club room, improved locker rooms, café/team store, improved box office, training/medical facilities, and additional toilets and concession/food court areas. The project also included construction of an exterior pedestrian walkway, an overhead bridge connecting the Dunkin' Donuts Center to the Providence Convention Center, and exterior plazas to facilitate the efficient flow of spectators and minimize vehicular/pedestrian conflicts. The Dunk remained operational throughout the majority of the renovation schedule. Gilbane developed and managed a complex phasing plan to ensure minimal disruption to the facility's ongoing activities. In addition, the phasing plan took into consideration the Rhode Island Convention Center Authority's desire to maximize high impact and visible improvements to coincide with important dates of the facility's ticket-sales schedule. For example, a significant effort was put forth to complete 20 new luxury boxes significantly ahead of the original schedule, allowing revenues to be achieved earlier than anticipated. The new Dunkin' Donuts Center also features greater handicapped-accessibility, with additional seating and re-graded ramps. In addition, renovations incorporated major fire code upgrades, such as sprinklers throughout the entire building, including the arena's seating "bowl".