Case Study: HTG Architects Helps Sno-King Capitalize on Seattle Kraken Excitement
Sno-King Snoqualmie
Snoqualmie, Washington
72,500 SQ FT.
Challenge
The demand for ice in Seattle had been steadily rising for years. “We were bursting at the seams,” said Jamie Huscroft, Director of Operations for Sno-King Ice Sports. Then, on Dec. 4, 2018, the NHL officially announced a new expansion franchise was coming.
Pop.
The metro area was electric. Sno-King ran two other rinks in nearby Renton and Kirkland, but those within the non-profit organization knew it wasn’t enough, especially with the eventually named Kraken coming in a few years.
That spring, Huscroft attended the North American Rink Conference & Expo in Buffalo, N.Y., where he met HTG Architects’ Tom Moorse.
“I was really impressed with their work. I liked him. I trusted him. He was a good person and I knew they were really good at what they do,” said Huscroft, who played 352 games in the NHL and 14 seasons of pro hockey. “We went back and forth for a year or two, and when it came time for us to build, he went and created a great footprint and design, and we were really happy with it.
“Tom and his team could not have been better. They were great to work with, always available, very knowledgeable. Our builder Northway Construction was very happy with them as well. For me, I only had experience with residential building, not commercial. So it was like sucking on a firehose. But Tom was great — HTG was there every step of the way.”
The biggest obstacle? Real estate costs in the Seattle area are some of the highest in the nation. Eventually, Sno-King settled on the city of Snoqualmie and leased a 5-acre parcel with the help of the Razwick family, a local business owner who helped secure the land. In 2019, construction began on the$25 million, 72,500-square foot facility.
Bells and Whistles
Sno-King Snoqualmie is home to two NHL-size ice sheets, 12 locker rooms, a 2,000 square foot dryland training area, pro shop, mezzanine, event/party rooms, and a spacious lobby.
“We’re right next to the mountains, so it’s very picturesque,” Huscroft said. “The customers love it. It’s just very welcoming, clean, and personable.”
HTG knew how important dryland training amenities are in today’s youth sports landscape. This led to a 2,000-square foot space that’s attracted new user groups and helped elevate the local players’ development. They also have benches that can accommodate sled hockey teams.
“There are a lot of little things, special touches, that make this place superior,” Huscroft said.
Community Benefits
Microsoft and Google are among the many companies hosting events at Sno-King Snoqualmie. School groups and birthday parties are also common.
City leaders, community members, and local businesses have fully embraced the facility.
“We’re probably the biggest employer in the area with 50 employees at any given time. The city loves that we’re having so many community events. The local Starbucks, Safeway, restaurants, and the brewery love it because we host tournaments and adult leagues, so they’ll stay at the hotel next door and go to all these places.”
Business Is Booming
Opened in 2020, Sno-King Snoqualmie had a five-year projection for profitability. Huscroft is proud to say they are a year ahead of schedule.
“We will be completely full within a year or two. I’m really happy about that.”
Sno-King’s experience with HTG was seamless.
“From start to finish, they’re just great people and it’s a great company,” Huscroft said. “Every time someone calls me with questions about how to go through this process, I recommend HTG.
“You have to choose a good architect. HTG’s been through it all. They know what to do in every situation. They have the experience — and they’re good people.”
