Denver proposes $45.5 million contract to renovate Loretto Heights Theater
The proposed Fransen-Pittman contract covers renovation of the vacant Southwest Denver theater, with groundbreaking scheduled for July 24 and reopening targeted for the second quarter of 2028.
Denver is considering a $45.48 million construction contract to renovate the vacant Loretto Heights Theater, with groundbreaking scheduled for Friday and reopening targeted for the second quarter of 2028.
The Denver City Council agenda lists a proposed $45,482,688 contract with Fransen-Pittman Construction Co. for the theater at 3001 S. Federal Blvd. The term is notice to proceed plus 567 days. The records reviewed do not include a final resolution or vote tally, so the contract is not characterized here as approved.
Councilmember Flynn said during the July 20 council meeting that the future city-owned venue is intended as a community-accessible performing arts complex. The city has scheduled groundbreaking for July 24, 2026, and is targeting a second-quarter 2028 reopening. As of July 23, the groundbreaking remains a scheduled event.
The records do not establish a final funding breakdown for the contract. Denver Arts & Venues’ April 2025 meeting minutes describe an earlier $60 million planning estimate, split between $30 million in RISE funding and a $30 million Denver Arts & Venues match. The reviewed records do not explain how that estimate relates to the proposed contract amount.
The contract description does not provide a detailed construction scope. Official rezoning materials say the project includes preservation and renovation of the existing theater, adjacent parking and a buffer between the venue and neighboring residential development, according to the rezoning application.
The April 2025 minutes describe Loretto Heights as a “community theater” intended to be “accessible to the people.” The reviewed records do not specify ticket prices, booking rules, hours, subsidized programming or day-to-day management. Final council action, the funding sources and the community-use plan remain unresolved.