Title
Madison Mallards Duck Blind Re-Build
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The Great Dane Duck Blind, which was gradually built over a period of 16+ years, is in need of renovation. Portions of the residential style deck construction are in poor condition and nearing the end of their useful life. The Great Dane Duck Blind Rooftop/Concession building, built in 2006, and the Great Dane Duck Blind Club built in 2012 are both in solid condition and will not be impacted as part of this project. The rest of the area would be demolished.
Goals of the new construction include:
1 - Improve connectivity between existing seating & the Duck Blind. The new plans call for a connection between the concourse level of the main seating bowl & the Duck Blind.
2 - Increase number of seats in Duck Blind without increasing capacity. Currently, about 1/2 of the attendees on a sold out night can sit. The renovation would provide seating for 80% of the attendees.
3 - Provide an indoor space for groups.
4 - Utilize interesting materials & unique architectural style.
5 - Provide a higher end experience for all attendees to the area.
6 - Provide additional group spaces and reduce the number of general admission seats in the area.
Our proposal includes the use of shipping containers to create a unique look and utilize cutting edge building materials. In addition to the containers, materials for the project will include steel and wood framing for a wood deck system, concrete piers and steel guard rails. The plans also call for a connection between the concourse level and the existing Great Dane Duck Blind Rooftop area. The plans also call for providing accessible access to the new indoor space, which will dramatically improve access for all fans & make the Duck Blind more connected to the rest of the stadium. A feature of the area will be a portion of the 2nd level indoor space cantilevering about 9’6" over the field of play by about 7’, creating a space never before seen in the history of baseball.
This privately funded addition to the ballpark will be the single largest investment into the facility since the public-private partnership to re-build the main seating area in 2011. It is also important to note that we have already arranged multiple donations of materials, design services, labor and more as part of this plan. After construction is complete, as with all of our projects, this improvement will be donated to the city of Madison, however we will be responsible for maintenence of the area.