Denver Arts & Venues, Cultural Leaders Break Ground on Renovation of Theatre at Loretto Heights

DENVER – Earlier today, Denver Arts & Venues and City leadership, Councilman Kevin Flynn, dignitaries from Denver’s cultural and surrounding community broke ground on the renovation of the Theatre at Loretto Heights, marking the official start of construction on the historic venue’s transformation into a modern performance and community space.

 

Denver voters approved the RISE Bond in 2021, which includes funding to support the $60 million theatre renovation, the first phase of 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 construction of a new dedicated parking structure adjacent to the theatre.

 

“This groundbreaking is about more than restoring a historic theater, it’s about creating opportunity and strengthening community,” said Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. “Every neighborhood deserves access to arts and culture, and this investment helps ensure southwest Denver has a vibrant place where people can gather, young artists can discover their talents, and families can experience the creativity that brings us together.”

 

“This isn't just a restoration project. It's a reimagining of what this space can be for the people who live here,” said Denver Arts & Venues Deputy Executive Director Tariana Navas-Nieves. “Thriving communities include arts and culture, and today, we take a major step toward exactly that.”

 

The renovation project will advance cultural equity and access in an area underserved by the arts, attracting the creative community and neighborhood residents, while also preserving part of Denver’s history and educational legacy. The project scope includes the replacement of all audience seating, including passenger elevators and wheelchair access, improved lighting and AV systems, an updated stage rigging system, increased restroom facilities and brand-new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems and parking structure for theatergoers.

 

By restoring the theatre, Denver is preserving an important part of Denver’s history for future generations to enjoy.

 

"Restoring this performing arts venue isn’t the only reason today means so much to my community,” said Councilman Kevin Flynn, who represents southwest Denver. “On this stage, young people looking to discover their talents will find their voices and grow their potential. I’m so proud of our Denver community for having the courage to believe in this project.”

 

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 renovation is expected to be completed in 2028.

 

For more information, visit artsandvenuesdenver.com/home/loretto-heights.

 

###

About Denver Arts & Venues

Denver Arts & Venues’ mission is to enrich Denver’s quality of life and economic vitality through the advancement of arts, culture and entertainment opportunities for all. Denver Arts & Venues oversees Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Denver Performing Arts Complex, Colorado Convention Center, Denver Coliseum, Theatre at Loretto Heights and McNichols Civic Center Building, using proceeds from events at these venues to run and maintain these facilities and to provide access to art for all through free and low-cost community events, grants for artists and arts organizations, public art and art education. Using Good Times, For Good. For more information, visit www.ArtsandVenues.com

 

About Denver GO Bonds

General obligation (GO) bonds are a long-term debt instrument issued by state or local governments to fund public capital improvement projects such as roads, bridges, bikeways, public facilities and parks. This includes restoring, replacing and expanding existing capital assets. Local GO Bond Programs are authorized by Denver voters every 4-10 years and repaid through property taxes. Elevate Denver is a 10-year, $937 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2017 to execute nearly 500 projects. RISE Denver is a 10-year, $260 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2021 to execute more than 80 projects. Vibrant Denver is a 6-year, $950 million general obligation bond program approved by voters in 2025 to deliver 58 projects across Denver. For more information, visit denvergov.org/GoBonds.