A glimmer of hope appeared in 2010 with the temporary reopening of the space for the Biennial of the Americas Art Exhibit. The event revealed a possible future, as a center for the arts. The vision coalesced around two primary goals: to activate the building for public use, specifically for artists and nonprofit cultural organizations, and to restore any remaining historic fabric of the building.
We engaged community members throughout the planning process; it was critical to gain consensus and work within the budget, the existing infrastructure, and the context of historic Civic Center Park. The rehabilitation included two phases. The first returned much of the building’s original exterior character through window and finish restoration. And the second created a new main entry, revealed and restored interior details wherever possible, and modernized mechanical and electrical systems.
Today, the Center is a celebration of the arts and artists. It’s open to the public, every day, for free, making it the only venue of its kind in Denver. Once dark and shuttered, it’s now bright and active, restored for new generations