Red Rocks backstage design agreement lists $4.45 million maximum authorization
The proposed agreement covers backstage expansion, accessibility, sustainability and historic-preservation work over a scheduled term ending Dec. 1, 2030.
A proposed Denver agreement for design services on the Red Rocks Amphitheatre backstage expansion and accessibility project lists a maximum authorization of $4,450,983.25 over a scheduled term from Oct. 5, 2026, through Dec. 1, 2030.
The amount includes up to $3,932,283.25 in basic services, $118,700 in reimbursable expenses and $400,000 in pre-approved additional services, including value engineering and sustainability workshops, the architectural and engineering agreement says. Payments would remain subject to funds appropriated and encumbered by the City Council.
The document names Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. for design and construction-administration services. The planned work includes a multilevel backstage addition, renovations to existing backstage facilities, stage-waterproofing analysis, permitting and bidding support, and construction administration.
The design also calls for accessibility improvements under the Americans with Disabilities Act, including improved backstage access and stage connections. It targets Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Gold certification, requires coordination with Denver’s Landmark Preservation Commission and historic-preservation requirements, and is intended to maintain Red Rocks’ views and sightlines.
The fee exhibit projects 19.70% minority- and women-owned business enterprise participation, above the agreement’s stated minimum goal of 14%. The 19.70% figure is a projection, not a record of completed participation.
The Parks, Art and Culture Committee approved the item 4-0 on Sept. 1. City Council’s filed resolution still has blank fields for passage and signatures, and the Legistar matter remains listed as “Approval Review” without a final-action date. The agreement says it will not become effective or binding until required signatures are completed and, if required by the City Charter, City Council approval is obtained.
The project has a $35.1 million allocation from Denver’s Vibrant Denver bond program, according to earlier committee materials. The agreement does not establish a final construction cost, construction schedule or specific concert closures; it requires the design team to coordinate phasing to minimize impacts on venue operations.