Looking over the construction hub that will become Rogers Place come 2016, there's a palpable sense of relief from the Katz Group that the project has finally come to fruition.

"It's tremendously gratifying," said Katz Group vice-president Robert Black, on the ground at the construction site Monday, during a first-time media peek at the $480-million facility.

The project has been swamped in controversy since it was a twinkle of Edmonton Oilers' owner Darryl Katz's eye, with the city sparring over the relationship of budget and design.

"The city, we felt at the Katz Group, was focused on designing the arena to the hard $450-million budget," Black said.

"I think the city perceived the Katz Group as designing without regard to a budget."

But last year, the two sides were able to come to an agreement, where PCL Construction would guarantee that the design would completed as desired for $480-million, and swallow any overrun costs.

You could say it was the beginning of a better working relationship, said the city's manager for the arena district, Rick Daviss.

"Over the past year we've forged a partnership that has a very common vision in respect to design and budget and we're moving very well in that direction."

This means going over the design with a fine tooth comb every step of the way, identifying ways to improve efficiency, cutting down costs, without impacting design.

Daviss said a perfect example is by swapping a bracket for a gutter mounting that won't even be visible.

Overlooking the site, which will sit off of 104 Avenue, the bustling construction hub is making fast progress, nearly completing the excavation process.

Some 80,0000 cubic metres of dirt has been hauled away, and 560 of the 700 pilings for the project have been put into place.

When it's finished, it will be 60 per cent larger than Rexall Place, and will be a much more accessible facility for all Edmontonians, not just Oilers fans, said Daviss.

He added that there will also be room for more spectators, more washrooms, better technology, and the best of all -- wider, more comfortable seats.

It will also be home to the league's biggest HD video scoreboard.

As for the buildings that will be included as part of the downtown arena district, Katz Group officials wouldn't say much, only to say that everyone should stay tuned.

The arena is set to open September of 2016.

allison.salz@sunmedia.ca

@SUNAllisonSalz

Rogers place numbers:

• Arena Size: 819,200 sq. feet

• Cost: $480 million

• Bowl Configuration: 52% seats in lower bowl

48% seats in upper bowl

• Seating Capacity: Hockey Game -- 18,641

Small Concert -- 4,000 to5,000

Centre Stage Concert -- 20,734

TIMELINE:

March 2014: Construction begins

Fall 2014: Erection of steel & concrete structure

Spring 2015: Interior work begins

Summer 2015: Exterior completed

Fall 2016: Building opens