Converting a single-story multi-purpose building into a twin-sheet ice facility means designing around loads the original structure was never meant to carry. The 115,000 SF First Community Igloo Ice Center brought two NHL-size sheets of ice into the building, supported by a refrigeration room, Zamboni room, locker rooms, offices, meeting rooms, concessions, lobby, viewing area, and a second-level sports bar. The facility serves as home ice for the Jacksonville Icemen of the ECHL.

G&W provided MEPFP Engineering across the full program, with the ice environment driving the mechanical approach. Scope covered rink dehumidification, electrical service and connections for the refrigeration and dehumidification packages, indoor air quality controls, a heat reclaim option with hot water storage and interconnecting plumbing, and the ventilation and utility support the ice resurfacer required. A fire protection performance specification framed the design-build sprinkler scope, and construction administration ran through final punch list.