KeyArena renovation to cost more than originally expected

SEATTLE (AP) The renovation of KeyArena to make it ready for a potential NHL franchise will cost $100 million more than previously expected.

Oak View Group announced Tuesday it had selected Skanska and AECOM Hunt to partner together as the general contractor for construction of the $700 million project.

The project was originally expected to cost $600 million, but OVG CEO Tim Leiweke said costs increased for a variety of reasons, including putting in permanent locker rooms for the expected NHL franchise, the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and a permanent locker room for a potential future NBA franchise.

Leiweke also said there was an additional 50,000 square feet added for storage and an additional premium club space added at the top of the building with a view of the Space Needle.

The project remains on track for construction to begin this fall.