City of Ames battles Henkel Construction over bad concrete

AMES – A project slated for completion years ago in this liberal college town somehow went awry, and city hall had to battle big-shot hometown construction company Henkel for years to wrangle some sort of just outcome to end the drama.

Following a closed session meeting on Friday, the Ames City Council approved two agreements providing additional time for Henkel Construction to repair all deficiencies at the Schainker Plaza including the splash pad and removal and replacement of the ice skating ribbon. In accordance with these agreements, the splash pad and most of the plaza would open by the end of May 2026, and the entire plaza including the ice ribbon would open by the end of November 2026.

In 2022, the City of Ames engaged Henkel Construction to build the $4.6 million Schainker Plaza. The plan was to transform an underutilized parking lot directly east of City Hall into community gathering space. The project includes a splash pad, ice skating ribbon, building with year-round restrooms and skate rental area, seating options, a small stage, green space, and food truck parking. The project was initially anticipated to open several years ago.

In December 2023, concrete was poured over ice ribbon refrigeration piping to create the skating surface. In February 2024, there were apparent defects with the concrete surface, and the finished product did not meet contract specifications. Both the City and Henkel Construction agreed the surface was unacceptable.

Henkel Construction suggested several remedies for the defective concrete. In response to these suggestions, the City hired an independent concrete expert to consider each option. Ultimately the City was not offered any proof that these repairs have been used effectively in an outdoor ice rink application or would yield the same 30-year life expectancy of a properly installed concrete surface.

Henkel has agreed to remove and replace the ice ribbon and repair the splash pad area at no cost to the City and in compliance with the original contract.

“To have a project drag on for years – as this one has – is incredibly frustrating and disappointing for all of us,” said Ames Mayor John Haila. “However, the City Council has always believed the residents of Ames deserve the project as designed, bid, and contracted. To accept anything less would be a disservice to the community and poor use of taxpayer funds. That said, coming to agreement represents a major step forward in finishing the plaza and opening it to the public in two phases.”

Henkel Construction has offices in Ames and Mason City, and completes big projects throughout the region. Henkel is currently building a long-awaited hotel in downtown Mason City. Let’s hope the concrete holds up.