First Gander Mountain Academy offers customers live and virtual shooting ranges
MINNEAPOLIS (May 16, 2011) – Novice and skilled marksmen can now hone their shooting skills at Gander Mountain Academy, the first-of-its-kind shooting range and firearms training facility that recently opened in Lake Mary, Fla. Over the past year, Ryan Companies helped major recreational retailer Gander Mountain design and build the new facility.

At Gander Mountain Academy, customers will be able to target-practice with live ammunition, as well as train on virtual and simulated shooting ranges that employ technology previously used only by the military and law enforcement. To accommodate the innovations powering these ranges, Ryan had many complex technical requirements to solve and coordinate with Gander Mountain. Architects, engineers and construction personnel used BIM in the design process to virtually design and construct the building with focus on specific areas of the project.

“When we first partnered with Gander Mountain on this project, they knew what they wanted, but weren’t sure how to get there,” said Mike Rother, director of operations at Ryan Companies. “BIM allowed us to create 3-D visualizations to ensure the design met Gander Mountain’s vision for the project.”

A host of construction specialists also assisted in the unique design. For the live range, Ryan built a concrete bunker within the facility, and worked with an acoustic consultant to soundproof the space so customers beyond the walls won’t hear noise from the range. The mechanical-ventilation consultant helped Ryan keep the air free of lead and gunpowder residue while the range is in use. Ryan also collaborated with a firing-range expert to ensure ballistic specifications were met or exceeded.

The structure of the virtual range resembles the live range, but customers use laser-targeting firearms instead of live ammunition. The simulation space is more unique, made up of multiple high-definition screens that surround the user and offer numerous simulated scenarios, including hunting and self-defense situations. An expert in audio/visual and simulated firing ranges helped Ryan specially design these spaces, which include specialty infrared glass that allows customers outside to watch participants in the virtual and simulated ranges without disturbing the experience inside.

Throughout the process, Ryan also worked closely with local officials to obtain all the proper approvals. Despite longer lead times to accommodate all of the building partners, specialized building elements and approvals, Ryan met its original completion deadlines. Based on the success of the new shooting ranges, Gander Mountain plans to open three other Gander Mountain Academies later this year and potentially more to come across the country.

“We’ve worked with Gander Mountain for the past decade building stores nationwide,” Rother said. “This latest project in particular speaks to our expertise in the retail sector.”

About Ryan Companies US, Inc.
Ryan Companies US, Inc. is a leading national commercial real estate firm offering integrated design-build and development, as well as asset, property and facilities management services to customers.  Ryan, a family-owned business committed to building lasting relationships, uses a single-source approach that offers flexibility in defining the scope of a project and strength in providing effective, timely solutions resulting in a higher certainty of success. Founded 71 years ago in northern Minnesota, Ryan currently owns and manages 10.9 million square feet of leased space and has offices in Chicago, Minneapolis, Phoenix, San Diego, Tampa, Fla., Cedar Rapids, Davenport and Des Moines, Iowa.  Information can be found at www.ryancompanies.com.

Editor’s Note: Interviews with Ryan executives are available by contacting Madeline Riggs at 612 455 1755 or mriggs@psbpr.com.