COST of Wisconsin Inc. Blog
Carmen Micale retires after 44 years at COST!
As destiny would have it, long time superintendent Carmen Micale, began his 44 year career with COST performing simulated rockwork in Milwaukee and today, he completes his final work at the Milwaukee County Zoo elephant exhibit. Traveling the nation over four decades, his projects aligned full-circle. Carmen started in exhibit fabrication in 1974 as a…
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Sundara Inn and Spa, Cambrian Oasis
Sundara Inn & Spa’s focus on wellness led ownership to pursue a new $9 million, 33,000 sq. ft. expansion project in Wisconsin Dells that opened in spring 2018. The expansion includes another outdoor pool, lush rooftop gardens, new fitness areas, additional culinary experiences, retreat space, and expanded parking. One focal point of the expansion is…
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Panda Passage, Calgary Zoo’s latest exhibit opens to the public
The new $14,000,000 CDN Panda Passage exhibit at the Calgary Zoo opened this spring to tremendous crowds. The exhibit replaced the former elephant building, which was transformed into a lush forest environment. The building roof was retrofitted to allow for numerous skylights. This enhancement dramatically improved sunlight for the natural plants that embellish the indoor…
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Otter Passage, Exhibit Fabrication at the Milwaukee County Zoo
Otter Passage, part of the overall new West Entry project, opened to the public in May. The project’s program includes the 2,000 sq. ft. otter exhibit, a new entrance to the zoo, concessions building, picnic area, and guest services complex. This exhibit’s thematic story revolves around river otters that have moved into an abandoned cabin.…
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Wilderness Falls water play area
Wilderness Falls, the new interactive water play area with a National Park theme, recently opened at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo. This exhibit area has several activities for kids to explore, play, and learn about local wildlife. Kids will find logs and boulders to climb, a sand pit in which to dig, as well as exciting…
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The Barrel Room at Founders Taproom, Theme Construction
COST is often called upon to replicate unique surroundings. The barrel room at Founders Taproom in Detroit is no exception. The barrel room concept was inspired by the gypsum mining caves located 85 feet below Grand Rapids, MI. This is where Founders Brewing Company “barrel-age” their distinctive craft beers. The simulated rockwork walls, old whiskey barrels, and beautiful…
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Gorilla World Exhibit Fabrication at Cincinnati Zoo
After three years of planning and fundraising and two years of construction, the new Gorilla World has opened to the public. The project’s first phase included outdoor modifications that allowed for the new gorilla building. To further accentuate the exhibit’s rolling topography, the renovated exterior space showcases refinished rock, additional new simulated rockwork, authentic looking…
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Exhibit Fabrication for the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum Grand Reopening
In October 2017, the newly expanded and remodeled Wonders of Wildlife Museum reopened to the public. The facility was recently recognized as the Best New Attraction in the USA Today 2017 poll. The enlarged 340,000 square foot living museum includes both dioramas and a live collection of over 35,000 animals from around the world. The…
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Newly Renovated Water Feature at Discovery Canyon, Red Deer, Alberta
The City of Red Deer opened the newly renovated tubing river as part of an overall $2.1M River Bend Golf and Recreation redevelopment plan in summer 2017. The tubing river was a regional attraction over the past thirty years but was in dire need of replacement. The river project required demolition and replacement of the…
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