VAA helped transform the long-closed Hollywood Theater into a revitalized event venue while preserving its historic character. The existing building presented numerous what are the trends in the hospitality industry structural challenges, requiring innovative solutions to support modern event and performance requirements. VAA designed elevated platforms to increase event capacity and introduced new structural lintels within existing masonry walls to accommodate additional windows and maximize natural light. The original riveted steel roof trusses were also reinforced to support modern rigging and aerial performance loads, providing the historic landmark with the structural capacity needed for hospitality industry its new life as a vibrant entertainment destination

VAA served as the structural engineer for a three-story urban retail center featuring a large-format anchor store, secondary retail and restaurant tenants, and extensive parking within the area’s hospitality district. The structure combines planet hollywood theater precast concrete and steel framing and was designed by VAA to meet the requirements of a moderate seismic zone. The ground level includes 60,000 SF of parking, loading docks, and retail/restaurant space. The second level features a 10,000 SF atrium and 135,000 SF of parking, while the upper level accommodates the primary retail store. VAA’s structural design supported the project’s complex multi-level layout while integrating parking, retail, and hospitality functions into a cohesive facility

VAA designed a one-acre cantilevered roof to protect ship loading operations at a Port of Tacoma terminal from the Pacific Northwest’s challenging weather conditions. Heavy rain and coastal winds frequently disrupted loading activities, limiting the terminal’s ability to efficiently serve port users. VAA’s multidisciplinary team evaluated the existing infrastructure and determined that a large cantilevered what is tourism and hospitality roof over the ship loading area would provide an effective solution without requiring replacement of existing facilities. The innovative, cost-effective design was engineered to withstand high winds, moderate seismic loads, heavy precipitation, and ice accumulation, helping maintain reliable terminal operations in demanding coastal conditions.