Frequently Asked Questions

As we move through this public process, please check back to this page for any questions and answers about Community Cultural Collective and the proposed future for the Colorado Springs City Auditorium. Newest FAQs are at the top.

If there is a question you can't find here please feel free to email [email protected] or visit our meeting page for full presentations given to the public.

With any building of this age, and the fact that we haven’t been able to see behind the walls yet, we know we’re going to discover things that need attention. We’re at an early point in the planning and design process and so the contingency means we know there are aspects of the building renovation we don’t yet know about. As the project progresses and we learn more about what’s behind the walls, at multiple milestones we’ll be fine tuning the cost estimate to steer the project

"For next 24 months while The Cultural Collective is undergoing its due diligence process the City is not allowing public use of the City Auditorium for either new uses or legacy users. Was that the Collective’s requirement or the City’s?"

The City Auditorium is part of the City Parks, Recreative and Cultural Services Department. During COVID we closed the City Auditorium and it became the homeless isolation center during the highest points of the pandemic. After that it took time to put everything back together and change the transition by removing all the cots we had to bring in, and reopen areas that had been closed off, etc. We then reengaged with The Cultural Collective for the due diligence period and are at the point we are now. Typically, we book events in the City Auditorium 3 to 6 months in advance. The City didn’t know how long the isolation shelter would have to stay open or how long the pandemic would last. We didn’t have anything in place to start normal operations again. For at least a six-month period of time, the duration of the original due diligence period, to understand what we were looking at and what kind of studies might need to be done, we were hesitant to start rebooking public use of the facility in advance. We understand the frustration some have expressed about wanting to get back into the facility, but there’s so much more involved than opening the doors at night and saying, “come in.” A public event requires advance planning and support behind it. We want it to be functional, safe and be a good experience for those using the facility.

"What has the City Auditorium been used for over the past few decades?"

The City Auditorium over the years has been utilized in a wide variety of ways and at reasonable rates. The type of users has ebbed and flowed from more private rentals, to commercial, to non-profits. Events were anything and everything from rock concerts, political conventions, weddings, quinceañeras, roller derby, cage wrestling, boxing, a metaphysical fair, business dinners and conferences, basketball and even a circus at one time.

"Will the $2.5 million the project has received through the American Restoration Plan Act be used to renovate the building?"

Funds from the American Rescue Plan Act would be devoted to the design and construction renovation of the building. Of the $15 million rescue plan act funds we’re looking at from federal, state, county, city combined, it would all go to capital improvements to the building and not to operating expenses.

"Has there been any studies done to communicate the financial contribution that cultural arts in the contributes to the economy of the region? "

The state conducts studies on the contribution of the arts to the state’s economy. In addition, every 5 years our local community participates in the Arts and Economic Prosperity Study that tracks the economic arts contribution on a national basis. The most recent study can be found at the website: CulturalOffice.org/resources. That study indicates that $53 million in economic activity comes from local non-profit arts organizations. That’s one of the weaknesses in that it only tracks non-profit arts, so we also look at the Creative Vitality Index that tracks wider industry contribution to the economy for Colorado Springs, El Paso County, the region and the state.

"What protection would the City have if a transfer of the property to the Cultural Collective non-profit takes place, but the project doesn’t meet requirements stipulated by the City?"

The City has stated it will assure protections are in place in writing as part of any transfer of ownership including a Reversion clause which would transfer ownership and control back to the City in the event of a default of terms.

"Will this proposal for the City Auditorium create competition for other existing performing arts venues such as the ENT Center, Fine Arts Center, and the Pikes Peak Center? "

The proposed reimagining of the City Auditorium will support existing venues in the region by providing much-needed rehearsal and education studios. It also offers the opportunity for operating efficiencies by sharing staff and support services. In addition, by establishing a consistent, visible location in the downtown area for programs, it helps raise the visibility of Colorado Springs’ cultural organizations. Because the City Auditorium doesn’t have to work around the academic schedules of a university, it can provide access from early morning through the evening, options for organizations to become resident partners and have offices on site, as well as providing support spaces scaled to cultural community use. The more successful the City Auditorium is, the more programming will in turn be generated for the stages at existing Colorado Springs performance venues.

"What are the plans for renovating the main floor of the City Auditorium?"

The Cultural Collective’s proposal maximizes as much of the interior space as possible within the historic structure. The current facility has significant interior height that is not used. The proposed redesign of the interior would convert the main floor area of the auditorium from a single-floor interior to a three-floor interior, thus making better use of the entire space. This would be accomplished, not by adding a floor on top of the existing building, but by adding two floors within the existing structure. A main theatre would preserve both the historical proscenium arch and the Wurlitzer Unit Organ which was salvaged from the Burns Opera House in 1973. The main theatre would also allow for an orchestra pit with a lift, an audience capacity of 650 and would incorporate acoustical upgrades for optimized sound quality. This proposed conversion would also include multiple large rehearsal studios which would mimic the playing area of the main stage. The proposal also includes a south-side expansion of the building for backstage support and dressing room facilities which the current building does not have. The addition of a third-floor plate would allow for smaller rehearsal rooms, recording studios and co-working spaces; therefore, maximizing use of the interior space.

"Where will patrons be able to park?"

As more activities and venues take shape in downtown Colorado Springs parking is a question that comes up. The City Auditorium is conveniently located close to two 24-hour City parking garages; one a block away at the corner of Kiowa Street and Nevada Avenue (840 spaces), and the other two blocks away at the corner of Nevada and Colorado avenues (over 1600 spaces). In addition to the parking garages, there is meter and open street parking surrounding the City Auditorium, several surface parking lots and the facility is one block from the City Transit Station/Hub. The City will start running a free downtown circulating shuttle this spring. The City of Colorado Springs is actively pursuing opportunities to invest in additional parking facilities. The Cultural Collective is working with the City to proactively explore both private and public partnerships as they pertain to parking.

"What is the history of the City Auditorium?"

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. In 1922, the City approved the construction of such a building, and, in 1923, the building was completed and opened to the public. As a joint effort among three prominent local architects, Thomas MacLaren, Charles E. Thomas, and Thomas Hetherington, the Auditorium was intended to be an example of local architecture and a testament to the community of Colorado Springs. The building’s total construction cost reached just over $424,000.

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 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. Originally, the Auditorium had several additional meeting rooms, which have now been converted to office, restroom and snack bar uses. The stage area has a full overhead fly area that rises to over 50 feet above the stage. It also has dock storage and basement-level dressing rooms.

Two events served to enhance the building’s original design. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, the New Deal Works Progress Administration (WPA) administered several mural painting campaigns across the country. Within the lobby of the Auditorium, at either end above the box office windows, two WPA murals were painted by two Broadmoor Academy artists. 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. These murals exist to this day and were restored in 2003.

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. 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. This original Wurlitzer Opus is the last remaining original Colorado Springs Theatre Pipe Organ and is maintained in nearly perfect condition. The organ is known across the United States and has been played by many of the top theatre organists in the country.

Through the years, there have been multiple studies conducted on how to best operate and renovate the City Auditorium. In 2006, the international food and support service provider Compass Facility Management Inc. was engaged by the City to study the historic nature of the building; develop potential marketing and operating options; and prepare an extensive cost estimate for major facility repairs, renovations, and upgrades to be funded by the City and Downtown Partnership. The study suggested the cost of $15 million (dollars at that time) minimum is needed to address capital needs and upgrade the facility with life safety and code requirements.

"When was the City Auditorium placed on the National Register of Historic Places?"

In 1995, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The City Auditorium is considered historically significant as a manifestation of community planning and development efforts that produced a valued public resource, beginning in 1922. It is architecturally significant as the final collaborative effort of two locally significant master architects, and as the last local representation of publicly owned Classical Revival architecture.

Being on the register ensures eligibility for grants from Colorado’s State Historical Fund (SHF). Soon after the Auditorium’s historic designation, the City was awarded two important SHF grants that allowed for the preservation of the building, namely replacing its deteriorated roof and restoring its exterior in 1997 and 1997, respectively. Later grants awarded in 2004 ensured the preservation of the lobby murals.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service's National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America's historic and archeological resources. Under

Federal Law, the listing of a property in the National Register places no restrictions on what a non-federal owner may do with their property up to and including destruction, unless the property is involved in a project that receives Federal assistance, usually funding or licensing/permitting.

"Why is the City Auditorium currently closed for business?"

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, the City Auditorium cancelled booked events and closed its doors to the public. As the pandemic continued, the community identified the need for a large, dedicated space to house those experiencing homelessness and potentially COVID-19. The Auditorium became that dedicated space in early April 2020 and continued in that capacity through May 2021. During this use, several areas were secured to protect the Auditorium’s historical features. Removing these barriers required staff scheduling and time. Multiple cleanings have been required as well.

Since there was no way to determine a known end date for use of the facility, a decision was made to not book any rentals or events into 2021. Additionally, the City was engaged in an RFP process prior to the pandemic, looking for a new opportunity for the Auditorium. Since this process was underway, it did not make operational sense to try and startup operations until a final decision was made regarding the RFP. At this time, the City Auditorium is closed for rentals through 2021. There are no plans to reopen the building for rental events during the Due Diligence period that resulted from the RFP, which extends to at least March 1, 2023.

"What type of events have occurred at the City Auditorium?"

Once the Auditorium opened to the public, its flexibility in the programs it could accommodate allowed for a wide variety of events. In the 1940s, a local promoter, Abe Marylander, brought wrestling exhibitions and boxing matches to the facility. As the years passed, the Auditorium has hosted various musical concerts, basketball games, graduations, political rallies, many conventions and trade shows, professional wrestling, boxing, mixed martial arts, roller derby and more.

"What are the building’s current capital needs and recommended maintenance and safety improvements?"

The following is a list of major capital needs that have an estimated cost of a minimum of $20.7 million.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance throughout the building
Major infrastructure renovation including mechanical, plumbing, electrical and structural systems
Replacement of balcony seating
Interior finish upgrades to include walls, ceilings and floors
Vertical transportation to include three elevators and one stairway system
Exterior upgrades including windows, masonry veneer and the marquee
Acoustical upgrades at the Main Arena envelope
Acoustical upgrades and interior finish upgrades in the Lon Chaney Theater
STC rated acoustical doors at arena entries
Acoustical ceiling treatment at the arena and balconies
Installation of an orchestra shell and forestage reflector
Operable sound partitions at balconies for acoustical and visual separation
Sound Transmission Class (STC) rated acoustical doors at arena entries
Acoustical ceiling treatment at the arena and balconies
Installation of an orchestra shell and forestage reflector
Operable sound partitions at balconies for acoustical and visual separation

"How is the City Auditorium currently funded by the City?"

The City Auditorium is a general fund-supported operation. As such, it requests operating and capital dollars that compete with all other general fund-supported departments, including police, fire and public works. Over the years, the Parks Department has been successful in garnering additional funds, such as those for the remodel of the main restrooms. However, the needs of the Auditorium are significant in scope and cost.

"What is the Colorado Springs Community Cultural Collective at City Auditorium (CSCCC)?"

The CSCCC is a newly formed 501(c)(3) dedicated to the reimagining, operation, and development of the 100-year-old City Auditorium as a quality, mid-size affordable performance and presentation venue for the Colorado Springs community. CSCCC has proposed that the City Auditorium, located at 221 East Kiowa Street, would be renovated and revitalized for arts and culture, education and related community activities and events.

"What was the goal of the 2018 Request for Proposal (RFP)?"

A 2006 study contracted by the City with Robert Sharpe for the operations and professional management of the City Auditorium recommended not only physical improvements to the building, but a complete rethinking of the oversight, operations and management of the facility. 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 an RFP seeking qualified organizations interested in entering into an agreement or partnership for the full use and programming of the City Auditorium. The City envisioned a revitalized and renovated facility viewed as an essential asset to downtown. Responders were encouraged to submit proposals offering a balance of creativity and financial feasibility.

Specific RFP goals:

To secure a financially stable entity that will effectively manage, operate, and maintain full use of the Auditorium;
To develop and implement a means to address the capital needs of the Auditorium immediately and long-term; and
To have the Auditorium support and foster the presentation of artistic, cultural, and /or recreational activities in Colorado Springs.

After 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.

"What is the CSCCC’s proposed renovation plan for the City Auditorium?"

The proposed renovation plan includes a multiuse rehabilitation of the building exterior and a redesign of the interior of the facility, expanding its useable floor area from 40,000 square feet to 90,000 square feet. An addition will be built on the south side, and two new floor levels on the inside will replace the current arena seating. The partial basement will include an orchestra pit, a versatile and multi-faceted event/theater venue, and commercial food and beverage partners. The ground floor will host retail and community partners. The main performance venue will face the preserved proscenium arch and seat about 600 with a flat floor option for up to 730 people.

"What is the CSCCC’s mission and vision?"

The mission of the CSCCC is to create a city center affording access to all residents for the purposes of relevant, inspired, and thoughtful works of the human spirit that will preserve the history and public use of the City Auditorium. The Vision is “A collective of education, arts, culture and business community, ‘for the use of the people and the glory of the city.’”

"What is the estimated cost to renovate the City Auditorium?"

A proposed pro forma capital and operating budget shows construction would cost $52.9 million, with $3.6 million of that set aside as a contingency. Revenue projections under CSCCC operations is stated as $56.5 million, which includes donation of the building and its land by the City, an assessed value of $2.265 million. Tax credits, grants, private donations, and other sources of funding would only be available if the facility is owned by the nonprofit agency, rather than the City. The City and El Paso County are slated to receive more than $200 million from the American Rescue Plan Act passed to help the economy rebound from the pandemic, and a portion of those funds could be used to help support a project such as this. The CSCCC vision includes community revitalization, workforce development, access to creative education, and community partners, all of which are criteria for projects under the ARPA. The City has earmarked $2.5 million of its recovery funds to support the project.

"What is the timeline and what are the key milestones in the MOU?"

The MOU outlines two milestone periods with different timeframes and requirements to determine success.

First Milestone – by February 2022

Identify sources of $5 million toward the project’s estimated construction cost of $53 million
Prepare a business plan that explains the vision as well as the necessary components that illustrate the feasibility and sustainability of the proposed use of the City Auditorium
Prepare and submit the New Markets Tax Credit and Historic Tax Credit applications
Begin preparing a schematic design package and updated construction cost estimates

Second Milestone – one-year timeframe beginning March 1, 2022

Provide proof of the total fundraising requirement of $53 million
Develop a pro forma financial statement that illustrates the feasibility and sustainability of the operation
Describe the programs and services to be offered with a breakdown by percent of use for private or oriented toward a unique user group versus use oriented toward the general public
Engage stakeholders and the general public in an outreach process to ensure community awareness of the project. A minimum of two public meetings and an online survey must be accomplished during the due diligence period.
Provide to the City a progress report every two months during the due diligence period

"Is the City applying American Rescue Plan Act funds to the City Auditorium?"

An allocation of $2.5 million in ARPA funds has been earmarked in support of the repair and renovation of the City Auditorium.

"What would operations look like under the proposed RFP?"

The CSCCC has developed a diversified business model for the facility that will include revenue from community nonprofit residents and tenant organizations, education partners, bookings for concerts and conferences, and commercial tenants, among other sources. The proposal anticipates that the building would be busy 20-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week with activities, multipurpose community events and performances.

Will there be public engagement during the MOU?"

During the Due Diligence period, the CSCCC will engage stakeholders and the general public in an outreach process. A series of public meetings will be scheduled in the fall and winter of this year in which the public will have an opportunity to provide input and feedback on the proposed uses and renovations of the facility.

"What other City–owned indoor facilities can the public rent for events?"

Deerfield Hills Community Center
Hillside Community Center
Meadows Park Community Center
Westside Community Center
Beach House at Prospect Lake

"Why is the City considering a proposed transfer of the City Auditorium to a non-profit entity?"

The proposed funding plan includes the use of historic preservation tax credits and New Market Tax Credits – both of which require the building to be owned by a nonprofit entity rather than the City. The City currently 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. If successful during this due diligence period, the property would be transferred to the CSCCC, in part, to accomplish the proposed funding plan. No specific terms have been identified or agreements have been developed until the initial MOU has been completed and the due diligence requirements are considered successfully met.

"Is there any thought with the Cultural Collective to empower additional creators by providing spaces in the building to support digital creation with recording and editing studios?"

From Linda Weise’s more than 30 years of working with young creatives in the region, what has evolved is that many of them that left to further their education and to pursue professions are now coming back. We’ve learned that we need to have something in place where we’re not only training young creatives but also placing them with viable work for continued professional development. As a result, The Cultural Collective is developing three creative arts workforce development programs in media arts, stage and tech design arts, and culinary arts. We have partners at the state and federal level as well as Pikes Peak Community College and the Pikes Peak Workforce Development Center working with us on this initiative. We anticipate all of the rehearsal and education rooms of the renovated facility will be piped back to a central location for recording and that they would also support videotaping/recording within the rooms themselves in terms of being able to showcase work. This kind of support has to be part of our DNA now by providing quantifiable places where creatives can get trained and then then placed for employment.

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Together as one brilliant community, we can transform one of the first 'all purpose' utilitarian facilities in Colorado into the first-of-its-kind future creative catalyst of Colorado Springs. All the while, respecting the rich history of this beloved landmark.