COST News

Three young children pose in front of a 17-food-tall bear sculpture outside of the Bear River Casino entrance.

The Guardian Sculpture Unveiled at Bear River Casino

Nov 21, 2018

The newly installed Guardian sculpture was recently unveiled on November 12th, 2018. The massive 17-foot-tall, 3,000-pound Guardian Bear rests in front of the Bear River Casino Hotel in Loleta, CA. The bear is dedicated to the memory and honor of Bear River Band tribal elder leaders. It allows past elders to watch over their people…

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A large underwater aquarium at Pacific Seas is filled with fish swimming throughout artificial shotcrete rockwork and vines with faux corals attached.

Aquarium Construction Complete at the Pacific Seas Aquarium, Point Defiance Zoo

Oct 10, 2018

The new 35,000 sq. ft. Pacific Seas Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, highlighting the Pacific Ocean ecosystem, opened to the public on September 7th. American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) members were able to visit the new aquarium as part of the annual AZA post-conference tour. Features of the New Pacific Seas Aquarium The $51.6 million…

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The front exterior façade and entrance of the COST of Wisconsin west coast location in Orange County, CA

COST Expands West Coast Presence with Los Angeles Office

Oct 5, 2018

COST of Wisconsin, Inc., an industry leader in theme construction, has recently opened an office in Orange County, California, just outside of Los Angeles. The Jefferson Business Park office serves as a project management hub for West Coast projects, while the production space will provide light specialty fabrication services and equipment storage. Omar Rodriguez, an…

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A group of men gather to celebrate the retirement of Carmen Micale, a seasoned 44-year COST veteran.

Carmen Micale Retires After 44 Years at COST!

Aug 31, 2018

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 COST…

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Sundara Inn GFRC rock work grotto

Sundara Inn and Spa, Cambrian Oasis

Aug 14, 2018

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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A panda climbs along a fallen artificial tree trunk inside the Panda Passage habitat at Calgary Zoo.

Calgary Zoo’s Panda Passage Exhibit Opens to the Public

Jul 16, 2018

The new $14,000,000 CDN Panda Passage exhibit at the Calgary Zoo opened this spring to tremendous crowds. The zoo animal 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…

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Milwaukee County Zoo Otter Passage

Otter Passage, Exhibit Fabrication at the Milwaukee County Zoo

Jun 12, 2018

Otter Passage, part of the overall new West Entry project, opened to the public in May. The zoological project’s program includes the 2,000 sq. ft. otter exhibit, a new entrance to the zoo, a concessions building, a picnic area, and a guest services complex. This exhibit’s thematic story revolves around river otters that have moved…

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The entrance to the Fresno Chaffee zoo Wilderness water play area, which features National Geographic themed elements.

Wilderness Falls Water Play Area at the Fresno Chaffee Zoo

May 18, 2018

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 features an artificial rockwork wall with engrained barrels in a dimly lit taproom with seating, low lights, and a full service bar.

The Barrel Room at Founders Taproom, Theme Construction

May 10, 2018

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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