Just east of the new Milwaukee Bucks Arena, the new $36.4 million Milwaukee Bucks Entertainment Block will connect the Arena and Old World 3rd Street and function as an indoor/outdoor social space, anchoring a larger mixed-use development in downtown Milwaukee. Featuring dining, entertainment, and retail along with open spaces, the Entertainment Block will provide year-round opportunities for locals and tourists alike.
The block is created by space between several historic breweries. To allow the outdoor space to be used year-round, Structurflex was engaged by Rinka|Chung Architecture to assist with the design of a 12,000 square foot single-layer ETFE canopy. In close coordination with the steel frame fabricator Ace Iron, Structurflex also engineered, fabricated, and installed the ETFE roof. The translucent nature of the EFTE preserves the authentic “outdoor” feel while protecting patrons from wind, rain, snow, and excessive heat.
A large beer garden featuring an outdoor LED video and TV screen occupies the center of the public connector alley. The ETFE canopy also makes possible the year-round, all-weather use of a small performance stage, bleacher seating, ping-pong tables, corn-hole, picnic tables, fire pits, public art, gardens, and event lawns.
Landscape Architecture
OJB
Engineering
GRAEF
Project Manager
CAA ICON
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