Wisconsin Ag Connection - Alliant Energy Center to Delay New Barn Construction Until 2014

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Alliant Energy Center to Delay New Barn Construction Until 2014
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 08/30/2013

It appears that construction of those two large pavilions at Madison's Alliant Energy Center is going to be pushed back until next year. On Thursday, the Midwest Horse Fair office circulated an e-mail to its followers announcing that AEC has decided to start construction on the two new structures in April of 2014 rather than this fall.

The current barns on the grounds were going to be razed after World Dairy Expo in October and the new pavilions were scheduled to be in place by the 2014 horse fair. But AEC says a tighter than expected construction schedule and the issues revolving around winter construction in Wisconsin have halted the project.

"Construction will start immediately following the 2014 Midwest Horse Fair and the 2014 World Dairy Expo will be the first event to utilize the new pavilions," the e-mail stated.

The size and scope of the project will remain the same with the removal of 11 current barns and replacing them with two new pavilions totaling 290,000 square feet.

Dane County has hired the architectural firm Strang Inc. to create the vision for the project. Earlier released estimates put the cost of the project at $18 million--with half of that money coming for private contributions and the remainder being covered by taxpayer dollars.

The new structures would be able to house about 2,600 head of livestock or 1,300 horses. The pavilions would also have interchangeable walls in order to create smaller areas, or be opened up to make a large gathering place for auto shows or swap meets.

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