Project Details
Client: Circus Juventas
Design, Fabrication, and Installation: Rubb Building Systems
Location: St. Paul, Minnesota
Fabric: Shelter-Rite 8028 Bright White with Tedlar® PVF
Subcontractor: Iron Rock Construction Company
Building Footprint: 50,000 sq. ft.
After 25 years under the same trusted Shelter-Rite membrane, Circus Juventas turned once again to the product that proved its strength. The result: a renewed, high-performance building envelope ready to support the school’s next generation of performers.
Project Overview
Circus Juventas opened in 1994 as a small after-school program and has grown into the largest youth performing arts circus school in North America. Today the organization serves more than 1,500 students annually and welcomes more than 50,000 spectators to its performances. Even though the original architectural membrane continued to perform after 25 years, the owner opted to replace it as part of wider facility improvements to support the school’s continued growth and enhance long-term value.
The building was originally covered with Shelter-Rite architectural fabric, and its exceptional long-term performance became a defining factor in the decision to recover the structure with Shelter-Rite again. The original material demonstrated outstanding durability, UV stability, and overall weathering resistance, giving the owner full confidence in selecting the same product for a renewed, multi-decade lifespan.
Fabric Selection and Approach
Circus Juventas selected Shelter-Rite 8028 Bright White with Tedlar® PVF film for the new membrane system based on one key factor: proven performance. With 25 years of proven performance, the membrane’s resistance to UV exposure, weathering, and environmental wear reinforced Shelter-Rite’s reputation for delivering long-lasting, reliable solutions for year-round use.
Even after decades of service, the original membrane remained in excellent condition with minimal degradation. Its Tedlar® top coating provided long-term color stability and resistance to UV exposure and surface wear, enabling the structure to maintain a clean, bright appearance. This proven performance made it a natural choice for inclusion in the new installation as Circus Juventas planned for long-term, year-round use.
In addition to performance, Rubb needed to ensure that the new membrane would integrate seamlessly with the existing building geometry. The updated system required precise alignment with multiple entry doors, HVAC penetrations, and structural connection points. Because the facility needed to stay fully operational, the installation team had to leave the original membrane intact throughout the project. This meant that every sheet of the new Shelter-Rite material had to be installed from the outside of the structure, a process that required careful planning and a highly coordinated approach.
Rubb developed a detailed installation sequence to accommodate the unusual conditions. The crew worked methodically to position, tension, and secure each membrane panel without disrupting the interior environment or interfering with the school’s programming schedule. This exterior-only method called for custom access strategies and heightened attention to staging, alignment, and weather conditions.
Despite the complexity, the Shelter-Rite membrane handled exceptionally well during installation, allowing the team to maintain efficiency and achieve a tight, uniform finish across the full building envelope. The result is a renewed, high-performance covering that ensures the Circus Juventas facility remains protected, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-efficient for years to come.
Project Delivery
The structure is covered with nearly 30,000 square feet of total membrane surface area. The project work began in July and was completed in September 2025. An accelerated schedule helped minimize disruptions to classes and performances while ensuring quality throughout the installation.
The completed recover provides Circus Juventas with a refreshed and energy-efficient building envelope that continues the strong performance legacy of Shelter-Rite. The updated membrane ensures that the facility will support training, rehearsals, and performances for many years to come.
For over 40 years, Shelter-Rite architectural fabrics have been engineered with a proprietary coating formula for superior UV and mildew resistance, combined with a unique weft-inserted knit fabric for excellent tensile, tear, and seam strength. This time-tested technology ensures architectural structures maintain their aesthetics for decades.
Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about our innovative solutions.
