Parasol Awnings Win IFAI International Award for Fitzgerald's Casino 43,000 Square Feet Canopy Project

Memphis, TN--Parasol Awnings recently completed the Fitzgerald's Casino 43,000 square feet canopy project. The enormous fabric structure was built to cover all 200 parking spaces and walkways, enhance the overall look of the facility, and to function as shelter during outdoor events. Fitzgerald's Casino is located in Tunica, MS. The project was completed in late June 2000. Parasol Awnings designed and manufactured the 43,000 square feet canopy in their facility, and transported the canopy to the job site for installation.

"Aesthetically, Fitzgerald’s wanted to match the existing castle theme of the casino," said Jane Hunolt, Parasol Awnings Sales Manager. "In keeping with the 13th century style of the casino, the canopy with its multicolored flags, was designed to look like medieval gaming tents."

Functionally, the canopies cover all 200 parking spaces and walkways and protect casino patrons from the elements. Fitzgerald’s will frequently use canopy for outdoor parties and concerts. The 43,000 square feet canopy also functions as a ventilation system for the extreme Mississippi heat.

Parasol overcame many obstacles during the project. "Projects this large present many challenges," said Michael Folk, president of Parasol Awnings. "In addition to the overall magnitude of the project, we had to produce the project under very tight time constraints." The entire design, manufacturing and installation of the project had to be completed in four months. Some of the obstacles faced by Parasol included acquiring materials at short notice, maintaining the same slope required by the architect, transporting 298 sections, and cleaning the 43,000 square feet canopy after completion.

"We had to design the canopy so that it could be manufactured in uniform sections. This allowed us to mass-produce the sections, which saved time and cost," Hunolt said. Building the canopy in sections also made transporting the canopy manageable. According to Hunolt, 298 sections were transported to the site for installation. "This uniformity also allowed us to maintain rigid quality control over the entire project," Hunolt said.

It was also important that the 298 canopy sections look like one continuous structure. Parasol had to maintain rigid quality control throughout the project due to the large number of mass produced sections. All sections had to be square and true for proper alignment during installation. The design incorporated such forethought as elevating transition sections to allow for easy section removal for repair and maintenance.

Parasol assisted the HNTB Architects in the early design stages and ultimately the fabrication and installation of the 43,000 square feet of fabric canopy. "Subcontracting the awnings to cover a 200-car parking deck to Parasol Awnings proved to be beneficial to Flintco," said Danny Moeschle, Flinto, Inc. project manager for HNTB Architecture. "Their design was well thought out since the conception of this parking garage. Parasol exhibited total professionalism…they met opportunities with insightful solutions that became win-win for the entire project team, and ultimately, the owner," Moeschle said.

"This was a very unique project…not only in size, but in difficulty," Folk said. Folk attributes the project’s success to teamwork and a commitment to doing a superior job. "Everyone at Parasol Awnings showed their commitment to the project at every stage of production…it was a real team effort," Folk said.

Parasol Awnings is a Memphis-based company that designs, manufactures and installs awnings, canopies, and screen products for the commercial and residential communities in the Mid South area. Clients include the Memphis Pyramid, Jitney Premier, Embassy Suites, Davis Kidd, Piggly Wiggly, Second Presbyterian Church, Memphis City Schools, Marriott, Promus, Perkins Restaurant, Folk’s Folly Restaurant, Hard Rock Café, Huey’s, Blue Plate Cafe, and many others.

Parasol Awnings recently won the IFAI International Award for the Memphis Pyramid 8,090-square-feet canopy project. The Pyramid canopy project was selected for its special design, construction, and difficulty of installation. Parasol Awnings was chosen for the award out of 323 entries and 115 companies from 13 countries. The Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) is a nonprofit trade association whose member companies represent all aspects of the international industrial and technical fabrics and textiles marketplace. Members’ products include fibers, fabrics, textiles, end products, equipment and hardware. Member companies manufacture and supply products for the diverse range of industrial/technical fabric market segments, including architectural structures, awnings, automotive, banners and flags, casual furniture, geosynthetics, marine, medical, narrow fabrics, recreation, rental tents, safety and protection, tarps and truck covers, and transportation.