The Most Affordable Fabric Structures for Municipal Projects
Fabric structures are ideal weather-resistant solutions that can be relocated and expanded as needed.
They can typically be customized to fit whatever use case is required, making them suitable for municipal projects like water treatment and waste management centers, composting sites, transportation hubs and more.
7 Affordable Fabric Structure Providers
Running multiple municipal projects can already consume considerable funds, which makes it critical to find a smart solution.
Here are several providers with perks to contact:
1. Calhoun Super Structure
Calhoun Super Structure is a leading full-service manufacturing company that has specialized in fabric buildings since 1992. It has worked on over 10,000 projects throughout numerous industries in North America. It is one of the few companies that applies the 3D Finite Element Nonlinear Analysis to engineer structures for maximum compatibility with your needs.
Key features:
- Has fabric covers that can last 15 to 25 years
- Can provide repairs and site visits for damage
- Offers installation services
2. ClearSpan
ClearSpan is a building solution provider that has been manufacturing metal and fabric structures since 1979. It has worked on thousands of projects and has decades of municipal experience. ClearSpan’s custom and turnkey building solutions can help you explore structures for storage, recycling, recreation, and more.
Key features:
- Takes care of design, financing and installation
- Creates structures that can handle wind loads of up to 185 mph and 100 pounds of snow
- Delivers numerous building profiles of up to 300 feet in width at any length
3. Legacy Building Solutions
Legacy Building Solutions creates custom-engineered fabric buildings for states, municipalities, agricultural buildings, and more. Its goal is to increase energy efficiency while eliminating excess square footage. All processes are certified by ISO 9001:2015 alongside other certifications to ensure quality standards.
Key features:
- Provides stamped drawings for any U.S. location and abroad
- Uses steel framing members and components
- Offers installation services with a patented fabric attachment system
4. Skyler Structures
Skyler Structures is a renowned manufacturer of tension fabric buildings worldwide. While its products are mainly used for recreational areas, workspaces, and storage, they can also be repurposed for other industries and functions. For example, public works and road maintenance departments use the structure to store road salt and sand.
Key features:
- Pre-engineers fabric structures from 20 feet to 80 feet wide and long
- Perform fabric building installation within days
- Builds permanent or temporary structures
5. Alaska Structures
Alaska Structures is a high-quality fabric building provider known for its large and fast modular supply chain. It has provided over 29,000 engineered fabric buildings in numerous industries, such as medical facilities for first responders and aid organizations or expeditionary shelters. Solutions are energy-efficient and relocatable.
Key features:
- Has a manufacturing space of up to 400,000 square feet
- Installs with a foundation-free anchoring method
- Ensures minimal to no maintenance
6. BigTop USA
BigTop USA was founded in 1979 to provide durable and cost-effective fabric structures. It has built secure and adaptable fabric buildings for government operations. Clients have used these in numerous functions, such as postal offices, vehicle inspection shelters, EMS departments, portable command centers, recreation facilities, and more.
Key features:
- Engineers buildings to withstand wind, snow and extreme temperatures
- Can be installed on numerous foundation types
- Customizes features like HVAC, insulation and lighting
7. GNB Global
GNB Global supplies turnkey tension fabric buildings throughout the United States and Canada, helping public, private and commercial industries. It thrives on customizing and mass-producing buildings as needed. GNB Global also provides maintenance, inspections and fabric replacements, even if the structures were built by other manufacturers.
Key features:
- Sources North American-produced raw materials
- Fabricates structures with local labor
- Standard buildings up to 150 feet wide and custom projects up to 400 feet or more.
Methodology for Identifying Who Offers the Most Affordable Fabric Structures for Municipal Projects
Municipal project managers should evaluate different fabric structure providers to determine who is most suitable for the use case at hand. Here are factors to consider:
| Value for money | Fabric structures offer significant cost savings in construction, installation, and maintenance. However, upfront costs and the long-run return on investment should also be considered. |
| Durability | Durability can significantly affect overall ROI, making it critical to find one that lasts through rain or shine. Ideally, it will remain strong even when moved to a different location. |
| Customization | Fabric structures are highly flexible. Find a provider who can accommodate the shape, color and design. |
| Municipal Experience | Suppliers who have worked with municipal project managers or government-adjacent initiatives focus on helping the community. They also navigate stricter regulations and complex timelines. |
| Support | Providers should offer support during and after installation. This can come in the form of information, maintenance and repairs. |
Get Shade for Your Municipal Projects
Determining who offers the most affordable fabric structures for municipal projects can improve public works initiatives without exceeding the budget.
Assess which provider can best meet your needs and make spaces better for your local community.
