Record Event Center

Bentonville, AR

The Record Event Center is an adaptive re-use of a historical mainstay from the Downtown Bentonville District.  The original used car show room and garage known as the Burger Motor Company, was later transformed into the printing and distribution center for the Benton Daily Record which was Bentonville’s local newspaper at that time.  The Record name-sake was kept due to its familiarity with the community and surrounding areas.  The multipurpose facility offers two large event areas divided by a full scale catering kitchen, event sized restroom amenities and a professional grade AV system.  The portal between the two event spaces can be closed off by means of a movable soundproof rolling partition allowing for two simultaneous event.  When the partition is in its concealed location, the facility functions as single event space capable of entertaining a group of up to 1,650 patrons.  Each event space includes access too its own semi-private exterior space and overhead doors allow for ease of movement between indoor and out when weather allows.

Exterior Improvements are minimal with the most significant being the insertion of steel plate and glass canopies and entryways at both individual event spaces.  A previous addition to the building once thought to be an eyesore was kept and a custom green screen treillage was installed over the entire form.  Over the coming years, the planted Boston Ivy will populate this form and serve as a backdrop for neon signage and a locally curated mural.  Interior finishes are minimal to say the least and in many instances the patina from old paint work and previous uses was simply cleaned and left intact.  The insertion of the catering kitchen between both event spaces is flanked on either end by a bar serving each space and is one of only a few new elements introduced into the existing volume.