Minneapolis – The Minneapolis City Council, by a vote of 10-3, granted final approval today to the Target Center Renovation project. It includes a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $102.8 million in hard construction costs for the $129.8 million project.

Construction on the project is slated to begin on May 6, with final completion expected in the fall of 2017. Work on the exterior will start this summer, while other parts of the project will wait until the summer of 2017.

“We own this city as a people and we are investing in this arena as a city,” Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges said. “Renovating the Target Center will preserve and enhance it as an entertainment venue for decades. This is a sensible Minnesota solution that retains the value of the public money already invested.”

“Minneapolis greatly benefits from the Target Center. I am delighted that we’re investing in this facility that brings people downtown for so many activities and events,” said Minneapolis City Council President Barbara Johnson.

The list of amenities for fans includes additional clubs and spectacular gathering spaces, and improved food and beverage options. A new state of the art center hung scoreboard will be installed this summer to provide fans with stunning live action and video replays.

“Today showcases our commitment to Minnesota and giving another generation of Timberwolves and Lynx fans the opportunity to enjoy professional basketball in a world-class venue,” said Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx owner Glen Taylor “This venture is about creating the best possible experience for our fans and giving the region a first-class experience in an arena for all to enjoy.”

Functional elements will also be improved at Target Center. Each concourse will receive a new signing system, and the navigation throughout the building will be clearer and more intuitive making it easier for guests. The back of house operations will become more efficient by adding three additional truck bays and additional marshalling space.

A beautiful new lobby, box office and glass atrium will welcome guests to Target Center and connect the arena to the rest of the Warehouse District. Featuring glass exterior walls and a multi-storied ceiling, the openness of the lobby will give fans an experience unique to Target Center. With spectacular views to the Theater District and the Warehouse District, Target Center will be connected to downtown Minneapolis in way that no other venue is.

“The new five-story glass wall added along 6th Street will connect the vibrancy and energy created by the millions of people walking along the street to the activity of the 200 events held every year at Target Center,” said Target Center Vice President/General Manager Steve Mattson. “The synergy between inside and outside is going to be a one of kind experience.”

Updated renderings are available for download on TargetCenterRenovation.com.