The Estes Park News

Estes Park Real Estate

Estes Park Performing Arts Theater Design Polished For Colorado Rustic Elegance

Chris Wood, President of Supporters Of the Performing Arts (SOPA), enthusiastically announced today that the SOPA Building and Design Committee has completed its twelve week detailed analysis of the performing arts theatre design. ?We have a performing arts theatre design that shouts ?Colorado rustic elegance? for the Town of Estes Park,? Wood said. The Building and Design Committee began this phase of the project in December 2008. The Committee was co-chaired by Mark Elrod and Roger Thorp, and included James Frank, Bob Gunn, Kerrie Hill, Linda Langer, Mac McCord, Tim Phillips, Richard Putney, Mark Richards, Walt Steige, Nancy Stevens, Greig Steiner and Ray Young. Wood shared that there were eleven building and design concerns identified by the community at large: Is the location (Stanley Fairgrounds) right for this theatre? Could the theatre be made more affordable by making is smaller? Can the theatre be constructed in phases to save money? Does the theatre need an orchestra pit? Does the theatre design have enough practice rooms and storage space? Is there access from backstage to the lobby? Will the theatre display art work also? Will the theatre be able to accommodate small group performances? Does the theatre design have enough lobby space? Will the theatre design have an outlet for outside performances? Does the theatre?s exterior appearance reflect Estes Park? The Building and Design Committee was to address each of these concerns. Is the location (Stanley Fairgrounds) right for this theatre? Apart from the obvious major benefit of the real estate being donated by the Town for the construction of the theatre there were other outstanding features of this location. With an abundance of parking spaces provided by this location it will not deepen parking needs downtown, and with this location traffic congestion downtown will be abated. Shuttle buses could be utilized to spirit theatre goers to area businesses pre and post performances. The design of the theatre will also be such that noise from other fairground events would have little impact on the enjoyment of performances inside the theatre. The theatre will upgrade and enhance the appearance of the area significantly not only with its design, but with landscaping and lighting elements. Could the theatre be made more affordable by making is smaller? Actually not. The AMS (nationally recognized theatre consultants) determined that the current size is optimumal for this theatre in this region. With anticipated usage the design size is one which is most sustainable in generating more revenues to the Town than the Town would use in supporting the theatre. No tax dollars are being used to construct the theatre. It is however a joint public/private effort . Can the theatre be constructed in phases to save money? No, not really. Walls are walls, and footprints are footprints which do not lend themselves to any kind of phases of construction. But the theatre can be designed to anticipate future needs and growth which could be considered the next phase. Does the theatre need an orchestra pit? Probably not for most performances anticipated for the theatre, but for certain musical productions an orchestra pit will greatly enhance the enjoyment of the audience. The design therefore will incorporate an economical option of removable seats in front rows to accommodate an orchestra. Does the theatre design have enough practice rooms and storage space? With space at a premium practice rooms will be limited. There are certainly other spaces in the theatre that could be used from time to time as practice rooms, but not on a full time basis. However, future expansion could lead to a ?black box? theatre which could provide rehearsal space in addition to performance space. Storage needs not addressed by the current theatre design could be to construct an inexpensive out building on the fair grounds when those needs arise. Is there access from backstage to the lobby? The current design provides such access without a problem. Will the theatre display art work also? While this is a performing arts theatre there will not really be space for an art gallery. However, the SOPA Board will initiate a procedure for the acceptance of works of art which could be on display from time to time in the theatre building. There could also be opportunities for artists to donate their talents into exterior and interior design elements such as reliefs and carvings for example. Will the theatre be able to accommodate small group performances? Yes. The lobby can be configured for small performance works. Additionally the interior of the theatre can be arranged with the help of acoustic panels and lighting to house small performances as well. Does the theatre design have enough lobby space? Probably not as much as would needed for consistently total sold out performances. However, the current lobby would still provide enough space for patrons to enjoy themselves and refreshments. The lobby?s concession area is a revenue source, and portable refreshment bars could be utilized as necessary to limit congestion in the concession area. Future expansion plans would have a phase for constructing a larger lobby. Will the theatre design have an outlet for outside performances? This theatre is being designed for enclosed/inside performance space. With year round needs and varying weather conditions this design is to provide a professional venue of a non-amphitheatre nature. There might be some opportunities for some small works or performances being held outside on the theatre grounds, but that is not the primary design concern. Does the theatre?s exterior appearance reflect Estes Park? No, it didn?t to the extent that the public wanted. Most everyone was able to offer that the initial exterior design didn?t look like Colorado. However, most everyone also had difficulty articulating what a Colorado look was. The Building and Design Committee during this phase of our project has presented the SOPA Board with what we are referring to as ?Colorado rustic elegance?. There is a new gabled roof design. There are more stone pillars and timber. There is more focus on a wood accent look. There is a new portico and over hangs that will appeal to the theatre goers. With landscaping and lighting complementing the improved design it will become jewel of a structure for the Estes Park community. Wood said, ?We are so excited to present to our community this performing arts theatre design, and we are also eager to find that benefactor who will be inspired to donate to our efforts and have this enduring structure named for their generosity.? For more information, call 970-481-6630 or visit the website at www.EstesParkTheater.com. All Ads On-Line at www.EstesParkNews.com 2040 Mary?s Lake Road

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Bret Freedman

BROKER/OWNER www.BretFreedman.com bretfreedman@beyondbb.com Your Complete Real Estate Resource Friday, March 20, 2009 Email: info@estesparknews.com 970-586-5800 166 S. St. Vrain Page 35

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