The University of Minnesota issued a request for proposal to replace the roof of the University's Williams Arena this February. Three companies bid on the project, and the contract was awarded to M.A. Mortenson Company of Minneapolis. The arena was constructed in 1927 with an asphault roof, and replaced with the current aluminum roof in 1948. The useful life of the roof and all roof systems have since expired according to the University's request for proposal. A crane was recently erected on the site and work has begun on the roof according to University spokesman Tim Busse. M.A. Mortenson has served as the general contractor for athletic facilities and other construction projects in the University area such as TCF Bank Stadium and the new Minnesota Vikings stadium.