Despite its limited experience as a builder of NFL stadiums, Minneapolis-based firm Mortenson was selected by the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority as the general contractor for the Vikings’ $975M stadium project. The decision was made public Friday morning during the MSFA’s monthly meeting in Minneapolis. Mortenson locally is the dominant sports builder, constructing new facilities for the Twins, Wild, T'Wolves and Univ. of Minnesota. Nationally, it has built one NFL stadium -- Edward Jones Dome in St. Louis. Hunt Construction, by comparison, has built 14 NFL stadiums -- two with operable roofs. Mortenson teamed with minority firm Thor Construction and project officials said that the strategic partnership was a big reason why Mortenson won the job over a joint bid by Hunt and local builder Kraus-Anderson. The Mortenson-Thor team will be paid a fee of $12.5M, representing 1.7% of total construction costs. Mortenson Senior VP John Wood said that the firm originally proposed a fee of 1.95%. MSFA Chair Michele Kelm-Helgen said that Mortenson’s contract terms ultimately reduced the risk to state taxpayers funding a majority of the project costs. Contract terms call for Mortenson to have the Vikings stadium ready to open by July 1, 2016. The stadium will be constructed on the site of the Metrodome. Vikings VP/Public Affairs & Stadium Development Lester Bagley said that team officials anticipate '13 will be the Vikings' final season at the dome. The Vikings expect to play two years at the Univ. of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium before moving into their new venue.
