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Council aims to renovate center
In the heart of Parker's downtown, the schoolhouse that was built in 1914 could be transformed into one of the area's largest performing arts centers.
By By: Jennifer Simonson
In the heart of Parker's downtown, the schoolhouse that was built in 1914 could be transformed into one of the area's largest performing arts centers.
The Parker Town Council wants to create an attraction that will draw visitors and their spending money to Mainstreet. It also wants to preserve the historic significance of the Mainstreet Center but mold it into more usable space.
A major revamp of the Mainstreet Center could bring $1.5 million a year to local businesses and put Parker on the map for cultural facilities.
That type of renovation, however, could cost about $8.5 million for a building with a yearly operating deficit of $280,000.
"I don't know where we would get the money from because we don't have it," said Parker's financial director, Kathleen Morse.
To finance such a large capitol project, the council might have to borrow money or create a new tax, both of which would require Parker residents' approval.
The renovation and expansion would likely transform the center into a 400-seat performing arts theater with a rehearsal studio, exhibit area and a reception section. It would convert the driveway between the school and the Ruth Memorial Chapel into a small park and courtyard.
It's expected the theater would compete with the Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, Aurora Fox Art Center and Littleton's Town Hall Arts Center.
Arthur Greenberg, with AMS Planning and Research, predicts that a new theater would draw more than 32,000 audience members and almost 27,000 users of the reception space, lobby and multipurpose areas each year.
Some of the financing for the project could come from state and national grants, local fund-raising and corporate funding, but chances for much money is slim, Greenberg said.
To help alleviate some of the project's operating cost, Parker officials could charge a $1 surcharge on each ticket, which would bring in more than $30,000 a year.
The Parker Town Council wants to create an attraction that will draw visitors and their spending money to Mainstreet. It also wants to preserve the historic significance of the Mainstreet Center but mold it into more usable space.
A major revamp of the Mainstreet Center could bring $1.5 million a year to local businesses and put Parker on the map for cultural facilities.
That type of renovation, however, could cost about $8.5 million for a building with a yearly operating deficit of $280,000.
"I don't know where we would get the money from because we don't have it," said Parker's financial director, Kathleen Morse.
To finance such a large capitol project, the council might have to borrow money or create a new tax, both of which would require Parker residents' approval.
The renovation and expansion would likely transform the center into a 400-seat performing arts theater with a rehearsal studio, exhibit area and a reception section. It would convert the driveway between the school and the Ruth Memorial Chapel into a small park and courtyard.
It's expected the theater would compete with the Arvada Center for Arts and Humanities, Aurora Fox Art Center and Littleton's Town Hall Arts Center.
Arthur Greenberg, with AMS Planning and Research, predicts that a new theater would draw more than 32,000 audience members and almost 27,000 users of the reception space, lobby and multipurpose areas each year.
Some of the financing for the project could come from state and national grants, local fund-raising and corporate funding, but chances for much money is slim, Greenberg said.
To help alleviate some of the project's operating cost, Parker officials could charge a $1 surcharge on each ticket, which would bring in more than $30,000 a year.
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