Photos by Larry Gill Some of the 20 suites at the Everett Events Center are just 12 rows from the event floor.

PCL Construction Services was chosen to build the $53 million Everett Events Center through a design-build competition. Timing was critical because financing was at risk if ground was not broken by Dec. 31, 2001.

The decision to demolish existing buildings in Everett’s historic downtown proved to be controversial with the public. After working with the Historical Commission and listening to public comments, the design team decided to use a brick façade and patterned exterior walls to capture the “spiritual value” of the surrounding area.

The structure has suspended long-span steel super-trusses, supported by a cable-stayed roof with two large masts and precast concrete. The masts, each standing 268 feet, are an icon to the city, especially at night when they are lit up. In addition to brick, the exterior of the building includes precast concrete with large glass entries and windows.

The transparency and openness of the facility creates dramatic visuals from any level. The split-level seating bowl provides more intimacy than typical single-bowl arenas.

The entrance to the center has large spans of glass.

Despite the impressive visual features of the Everett Events Center, the hidden centerpieces of the facility are its two ice slabs. Each of these superflat concrete slabs exceeds the design specified for floor flatness and floor level by nearly double. Floor flatness is important because it allows constant freezing to produce fast ice without “dead ice” spots. Topographic surveys indicate the slabs are flatter than any other slab in the Western Hockey League and possibly the National Hockey League.

PCL finished four and a half months ahead of schedule and within budget. The project had over 400,000 worker hours with no time-loss accidents.

“The number one thing that stood out about this project was the teamwork and cooperation of everyone involved; the design-build team, the subcontractors, the PFD and the city of Everett have been a pleasure to work with,” said Ed Olsgard, PCL district manager.