This original Wurlitzer Opus is the last remaining original Colorado Springs Theatre Pipe Organ and is maintained in nearly perfect condition. The Auditorium, which originally was designed to accommodate such an instrument, has utilized the organ since its installation for a wide variety of events, including weekly lunchtime recitals to accompanying the screenings of silent films. In 1976, a Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, constructed in 1928, was removed from its original location in the Burns Opera House, which was being demolished, and installed in the Auditorium. These murals exist to this day and were restored in 2003. Archie Musick’s mural depicts the grueling work of mining, while Tabor Utley’s celebrates the arts, which was possible in part due to the community wealth brought about by mining. Within the lobby of the Auditorium, at either end above the box office windows, two WPA murals were painted by two Broadmoor Academy artists. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA) administered several mural painting campaigns across the country. Two events served to enhance the building’s original design. ![]() It also has dock storage and basement-level dressing rooms. The stage area has a full overhead fly area that rises to over 50 feet above the stage. Originally, the Auditorium had several additional meeting rooms, which have now been converted to office, restroom and snack bar uses. The building encompasses over 40,000 square feet on its many levels and houses not only the main arena space that can seat up to 2,400, but also the Lon Chaney Theatre which seats about 235. The structure itself is large, with overall dimensions of 226 feet by 160 feet with a main floor footprint area of 28,500 square feet, not including the sub-grade boiler room and original coal storage area. The building’s total construction cost reached just over $424,000. Thomas, and Thomas Hetherington, the Auditorium was intended to be an example of local architecture and a testament to the community of Colorado Springs. As a joint effort among three prominent local architects, Thomas MacLaren, Charles E. In 1922, the City approved the construction of such a building, and, in 1923, the building was completed and opened to the public. The City Auditorium is the culmination of community-driven efforts to create a large, multi-purpose meeting and entertainment facility for the City of Colorado Springs. No specific terms have been identified and no agreements will be developed until the MOU has been completed and the due diligence requirements are considered successfully met. Among the requirements for the CSCCC to deliver to the City are proof of funding, a feasibility study, and facility management throughout the due diligence period. 7, 2022, the City and the CSCCC signed a second amendment granting the CSCCC three years to complete the tasks outlined in the agreement. ![]() ![]() 1, 2021, the City has an MOU in place with the CSCCC to determine the viability of its proposal to renovate and operate the City Auditorium as submitted through the RFP process. On Dec. About the Memorandum of UnderstandingĪs of Sept. As such, the CSCCC proposal includes making significant repairs and renovations to the building while also improving and expanding its functionality to be a better host for arts and culture, education and community activities and events. To have the Auditorium support and foster the presentation of artistic, cultural, and /or recreational activities in Colorado Springs.Īfter a significant review process and a pause during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the City selected the proposal submitted by the Colorado Springs Community Cultural Collective at City Auditorium (CSCCC) as the highest ranked offer. The CSCCC has identified a gap for performance venues suitable to smaller cultural organizations in need of affordable mid-size venues and creative workspaces, a role which a revitalized City Auditorium could fill.To develop and implement a means to address the capital needs of the Auditorium immediately and long-term.To secure a financially stable entity that will effectively manage, operate, and maintain full use of the Auditorium. ![]() Responders were encouraged to submit proposals offering a balance of creativity and financial feasibility. The City envisioned a revitalized and renovated facility viewed as an essential asset to downtown. In 2018 with the strong interest in the downtown corridor and significant investments occurring within the area, the City felt it was the right time to issue a Request for Propsal (RFP), seeking qualified organizations interested in entering into an agreement or partnership for the full use and programming of the City Auditorium.
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