This is the largest building component of the Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC), a $31 million renovation project, conducted, in joint venture with Beyer, Blinder, Belle of New York, and with associated architects Semple, Brown, Roberts of Denver. The 2815-seat Buell Theatre, the first phase of the master plan, was designed by van Dijk, Pace, Westlake Architects.

The problem involved the unification of disparate structures and the transformation of a featureless 1940s sports facility (formerly used for basketball games), into a state-of-the-art multipurpose theater. The sports arena was sited between a 1908 Beaux Arts auditorium and a concert hall in-the-round designed in 1978. Of particular relevance was a design which would reflect the character of the region.

Programmed for musical theater, touring Broadway shows, opera and large-scale dance events, the wide and gently tapered house accommodates 1754 seats at orchestra level, yet minimizes the distance between audience and stage. This level has a steep rake which provides excellent sightlines and a feeling of intimacy with the stage. A 12-row, 725-seat balcony without cross aisles juts forward on long cantilevered beams. 256 loge seats are arranged along an arc which appears to float between balcony and orchestra level because it is separated from the rear and side walls of the house. Boxes on staggered levels accommodate 80 seats and add interest to the side walls of the theater. Patrons circulate to boxes behind scrims of perforated metal. The theater incorporates a 7000-square foot stage and 8000 square feet of backstage areas. The orchestra pit adjusts to accommodate 30, 60 or 90 musicians.

Awards: Honor Award - AIA Ohio

Publications: Commercial Renovation, October 1993, cover story, “An Elephant in a Barn”
Architecture, August 1992, “Stage Presence”
Interiors, March 1992, “The Perception of Sound”
Inland Architect, March-April 1992, “Theater for the Rockies”