University of Dubuque Heritage Center

Dubuque, IA | 412 Tons

The University of Dubuque Heritage Center is a new multi-level performing arts facility in Dubuque, Iowa, featuring a 1,000-seat theatre, a 200-person rehearsal theatre, and additional rehearsal rooms. This challenging project included two roofs with convex and concave roof beams and joists, designed with unique curved structural steel elements.

Our team fabricated two 48-inch tall shop-fabricated plate girders, which support the lower bowl of the upper balcony, and fourteen fabricated raker beams for the upper balcony seating. We also crafted a complex catwalk system for both the main theatre and rehearsal theatre, providing essential access for performances and production.

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Miscellaneous metals included:

• Two curved monumental stairs, featuring custom cast aluminum copper-plated balusters.
• Rolled railings with custom cast aluminum copper-plated balusters overlooking the main lobby and café.
• Two stair towers and ramp rails for accessibility.
• Two 20-foot-tall light towers in the theatre.
• Rigging platforms and a rigging grid system in the flyloft.

Design Build Structures was also honored with the Customer Choice Award, presented by the SDS2 User Group, for our work on this project.