Symphony unveils plan for renovated Boettcher

The Colorado Symphony has unveiled a proposal for a repurposed, renovated concert hall.

The $40 million plan envisions a modernized and upgraded building that allows for greater flexibility in programming and addresses critical issues of sound and structure.

"A great symphony like a great sports team needs a great field to play on," says Jerome Kern, the symphony's chief executive and board co-chair. "Boettcher Concert Hall has been the Colorado Symphony's home since it was built, and we're optimistic that this plan allows us to move into the future, so that it can remain the orchestra's home for another 35 years."

Designed by Semple Brown, the proposed renovation includes reducing the cubic volume of the hall; enlarging the reflective surfaces closest to the musicians; tightening the stage enclosure; and increasing the flexibility of seat count and format to help the symphony support a broader range of music types and performers.

"This design concept strategically adds seats close to the stage and reduces seating farther from the stage, while maintaining Boettcher's distinctive intimacy and embrace of the musicians," says Chris Wineman, principal of Semple Brown. "It allows the CSO to customize the seating capacity quickly and easily to match its programming."

Possible funding sources for the project include up to $25 million remaining from a voter-approved bond initiative passed in 2007 and Denver Mini-Bonds issued this year. Up to $20 million additional funding could come from city investment, Colorado Symphony donors, corporate sponsors, public/private partnerships and naming rights.

Contact Confluence Denver Development News Editor Margaret Jackson with tips and leads for future stories at margaret@confluence-denver.com.