COST of Wisconsin, Inc. Blog
Theme Park Construction
COST recently completed two significant theme park construction projects in the Orlando market, both recognized as game-changers in the industry. The recently opened island themed water park included several key features and finishes constructed by COST shop and field crews. This project required a significant coordination effort between several fabrication departments (fiberglass (FRP), glass fiber-reinforced…
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Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital Water Feature
The new 470,000 square foot Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital will be opening its doors to patients later this year. Unlike most hospitals, Northwestern is situated on over 120 landscaped acres with hiking and biking trails linked to nearby trails. The natural beauty of the campus is enhanced with this new iconic entry water feature which…
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Cincinnati Zoo, Hippo Cove
Hippos returned to the Cincinnati Zoo after a 20-year absence with the opening of Hippo Cove. The $7.5 million project is the latest addition to the African exhibits. The exhibit provides underwater viewing for close-ups of Henry and Bibi, the 3,000 plus pound residents. A 70,000-gallon pool with a waterfall is showcased by a 60-foot…
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Fernbank Museum – Wildwoods
The Fernbank Museum expanded outdoors this summer with its recently opened Wildwoods exploration and outdoor adventure play area. The expansion included an elevated walkway, an interactive dry and water play area, and various nature trails. COST was contracted to assist the preconstruction team with budgeting and shop drawings and was later contracted for model building,…
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The Gardens Casino
The Hawaiian Gardens Casino opened its new and expanded $90 million dollar facility last year. The new facility increased from 59,000 sq. ft. to over 200,000 sq. ft. with an enlarged gaming space, a new kitchen and restaurant, and an upstairs banquet and tournament hall. The Gardens offers new VIP experiences throughout. The upscale look and…
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St. Francis Hospital, Family Respite Garden
Rooftop projects such as the St. Francis Hospital, Family Respite Garden require structural, yet lightweight materials to deliver unique architectural (or naturalistic) finishes but at lighter weights than typical masonry construction. Specifically, the St. Francis design team desired the look of architectural stone retaining and seat walls within the garden space. By using a polystyrene…
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Lost Island Water Park, Blue Iguana Play Area
COST completed the next new family attraction at Lost Island Water Park in Waterloo, IA. The Blue Iguana has been completely renovated and now includes an interactive mermaid aquarium, a new corkscrew slide, and interesting new theme facades that separate two theme pool areas. The owners and COST designers worked closely to determine the appropriate…
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Fresno Chaffee Zoo, African Adventure
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo opened its 13-acre African Adventure in fall. African Adventure features multi-specie exhibits that allow patrons to view these animals as if they were within their native habitat, the African plains and savannas. The project includes several species including elephants, cheetahs, lions, white rhinoceros, reticulated giraffe, and other hoof stock. A giraffe feeding…
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Village of Rosemont, Water Feature
Monument Park, located at Higgins Road and River Road in Rosemont, was closed last fall to begin the reconstruction of the well-known iconic Rosemont waterfall. The old Rosemont waterfall, known throughout the Chicagoland area, was a gathering place for locals, a favorite spot for wedding photos, and a tourist destination. The new waterfalls is larger than…
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