LEGACY BUILDING SOLUTIONS Multipurpose event centre at Alberta resort demonstrates advantage of tension fabric rigid steel frame structures Canadian Design and Construction Report special feature Near Edmonton, the Venue at the River Cree Resort and Casino is a 29,680 sq. ft. multipurpose event center. The re- cently opened building, featuring mezzanine seating and con- cert hall quality acoustics, is an illuminating example of the properties of tension fabric rigid steel frame structures. The Venue offers all the amenities of a conventionally constructed building, demonstrating the versatility and performance of the system. Legacy Building Solutions designed, engineered, and man- ufactured the structure on a fast track construction schedule, minimizing downtime for the popular resort. The Edmonton, Alberta based company also acted as construction manager for the project. Clad in durable polyethylene fabric, the 140 ft. by 200 ft. building with 12 ft. by 60 ft. and 12 ft. by 80 ft.’ lean-tos is home to a variety of entertainment, commercial, and business gatherings. The main floor has a seating capacity of 2,200 for stage productions and 1,200 when 8-person round tables and chairs are set up for conventions. Tied in to the rigid steel frame of the building, a mezzanine can hold 300 people in VIP boxes; two stairways provide access and egress. Inherently modular, the building system is customizable in plan and elevation. A 40 ft. by 200 ft. foyer structure forms the public entrance to the hall. Adjoining the main building, 10 – March 2016 — The Canadian Design and Construction Report the lean-tos house a green room and bar. A 10 ft. by 18 ft. overhead door gives direct access from the rear loading dock to the backstage area, streamlining the set up and breakdown of bulky equipment; another 10 ft. by 18 ft. door is located on the sidewall, facilitating an easy move in for trade show dis- plays on the main floor. While theatrical buildings often have a sloped floor, the River Cree structure has a flat floor. This allows the facility to host meetings and trade expos, which require the installation of tables, kiosks, and booths. To preserve the quality of the audience experience during stage shows, the platform was raised from the standard 42 inch height to 48 inches, main- taining sightlines throughout the column free space. Such functional flexibility allows the resort to book a full yet varied schedule of events, maintaining a steady revenue stream.