Chris LaCombe and his partners recognized the old Shopko building on Madison Avenue in Mankato as an opportunity for revitalization. They had a vision to bring another hockey rink to the area and surround it with various entertainment amenities. Widseth's architects and engineers were involved from the beginning and helped reshape the old big box structure into The Pond on Madison.
Many important details were considered when designing the project. Our team worked directly with former Mankato State University Hockey Coach Mike Hastings to discuss corridor widths, bench location, and spectator seating. New columns, footings, and beams were added to open up the space and support the roof. Humidity and temperature control were priorities throughout the design of the mechanical system to ensure ice quality and comfort for spectators on the mezzanine.
"The Pond is unique to Mankato and to Minnesota," said Widseth architect Dana Hlebichuk. "When I talk about architecture and projects that define my career, this is one of them. Taking these old big box stores and rehabilitating them into something that everybody can buy into is great."
In addition to the rink, the project also includes a Crooked Pint Ale House, an event space called The Venue, Green Mill on the Go, an arcade, golf simulators, duckpin bowling, and pickleball courts. Click here to see more photos of the project.
"We had college players out here telling us it makes them feel like a kid again," said Chris. "One of the ideas behind the two-thirds-size rink was to bring the pond hockey back, put the fun back into the game, and we're really happy about that."