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Theatre at Loretto Heights

Design rendering of the theatre plaza entrance. Rendering for illustrative purposes only.
 

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THEATRE AT LORETTO HEIGHTS

Theatre Renovation & New Parking Structure

Denver Arts & Venues plans to create a new theatre space for southwest Denver as part of the Loretto Heights Area Plan led by Westside Investment Partners to redevelop the 72-acre historic campus. DAV's focus is renovating the historic theatre dedicated to arts and cultural programming. This project will broaden access to the arts across Denver, attract and welcome diverse audiences, and support small arts organizations needing performance and rehearsal space.

With help from Councilman Kevin Flynn (District 2), Denver voters approved $45M in RISE Bond funding in 2021 to support the first phase of the project, which includes renovation of the theatre building, improved accessibility and ADA compliance, upgraded technology and building code compliance. In 2025, voters approved an additional $4M in Vibrant Bond funding to support the new construction of a dedicated parking structure adjacent to the theatre.

PROJECT OVERVIEW

History

 

Originally part of Loretto Heights College, founded in 1888 when the Catholic Sisters of Loretto purchased the hilltop property south of Denver, the theatre was designed by architect G. Meredith Musick and completed in 1963. At the time, it was Denver's second-largest indoor theatre and one of the most professionally equipped educational performance venues in the country.

 

The college grew into a respected liberal arts institution for women. Named for Denver philanthropist May Bonfils Stanton, who endowed both the theatre and the campus library, it served generations of students and artists before the college closed in 1989.

 

The campus was later purchased by Teikyo Universities of Japan and renamed Teikyo Loretto Heights, then Colorado Heights University in 2009, before closing in 2017. Today, the building remains a treasured cultural landmark and a beloved part of southwest Denver's history.

 

A video highlighting alumni of Loretto Heights College discussing the theatre can be viewed below.

 

 

 

Goals

  1. Advancing Cultural Equity & Access. Returning the theatre to public use allows us to intentionally expand to an area that has been underserved by the arts. The spaces and programming will be designed to reflect the character and culture of the neighborhood, and the needs of artists and arts organizations.
  2. Demonstrating that Thriving Communities Include Arts & Culture. Renovating the theatre and surrounding area will attract the creative community and neighborhood residents, enhancing the vibrancy of the new campus.
  3. Preserving Part of Denver’s History and Educational Legacy. The mid-century modern building, known as the May Bonfils Stanton Theatre, is a treasured performance space that originally opened in 1963. It was the second largest and most professionally equipped theatre, making Loretto Heights a top undergraduate theatre program nationally. By restoring the theatre, we are preserving an important part of Denver’s history for future generations to enjoy.

Exterior plaza of the theatre

Photo of the theatre pre-renovation

Photo of the theatre pre-renovation

Scope

Theatre Renovation & Parking Structure

  • Improve accessibility and ADA Standards compliance - Replace all audience seating, increase row spacing, install passenger elevators and wheelchair ramps
  • Upgrade technology - Improve lighting and AV systems, update stage rigging system, replace orchestra pit hydraulics
  • Ensure building code compliance - Increase public restroom facilities, remove hazardous materials, replace mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems
  • New parking structure - Provide parking to support theatergoers, decreasing the impact on surrounding neighborhood

Theatre Operations

Identify, contract, and support a third-party operating partner that can help us achieve the project goals and transform this public asset into community impact:

  • Civic Ownership for Community Growth​ - City-owned facility enables equity-driven programs and access focused on public benefit over profit.​

  • Empowering ​Local Talent​ - Support cultural sector that reflects neighborhood demographics, advancing equity and representation.​

  • Strategic Talent Pipeline​ - Venue as a training site supporting Denver’s creative economy and arts ecosystem in careers in venue management, arts, hospitality, marketing, and technical theatre.​

  • Positioning Denver as a National Leader​ - Elevates Denver as a national model for turning public assets into community and workforce impact.​

Project Funding

Theatre & Outdoor Site Renovation​

Scope:

  • ADA accessibility

  • Modern theatrical standards​

  • Renovation of restrooms, public spaces, and lobby​

  • Upgrade building systems​

  • Environmental abatement throughout

Source: $45,000,000 RISE Bond + $15,000,000 DAV

Total Budget: $60,000,000

Parking Structure & Arrival Path​

Scope:

  • Design and build new elevated platform parking structure​

  • Landscaping for mountain side arrival​

  • Signage and wayfinding

Source: $4,000,000 Vibrant Bond +​ $15,000,000 DAV

Total Budget: $19,000,000

Project Total: $79,000,000

Project Timeline at a Glance

July 24, 2026 – Groundbreaking   

August 2026 – Construction Starts   

September 2026 – Operating Partner Announcement   

2027 – Operational Planning   

2028 – Opening

As with all major construction projects, this timeline is subject to change.

Theatre Building & Exterior Renderings

Schematic design renderings shown are for illustrative purposes only. Final details may vary. ​

Courtesy of Perkins Eastman Architects

Parking Structure Renderings

Schematic design renderings shown are for illustrative purposes only. Final details may vary. ​

Courtesy of Perkins Eastman Architects

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