Denver committee to consider Red Rocks backstage design contract

Denver’s Parks, Arts & Culture Committee is scheduled to consider a $4,450,983.25 design contract for the Red Rocks Backstage Expansion and Accessibility Improvements project at its Sept. 1 meeting. The project has a published Vibrant Denver bond allocation of $35.1 million, but no committee action had been recorded as of Aug. 28.

Denver Legistar lists Bill 26-1258 as a committee action item. The bill would contract with Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc. for architectural and engineering services through Dec. 1, 2030.

The $35.1 million figure is the amount identified in Denver’s official Vibrant Denver bond project list. The available records do not establish whether it represents the project’s full cost or only its bond-funded share. No separate non-bond funding or larger total budget was identified.

The project would expand the backstage building into an existing staff parking lot and renovate current backstage spaces. The city’s presentation describes planned elevators and accessibility connections, covered performer parking, new kitchen and dining areas, offices, upgraded mechanical systems, and improved security, audiovisual and technology systems. The concept includes two below-grade levels and a five-story expansion, though the presentation says the final layout may vary.

The materials cite a lack of elevators, difficult movement of catering and heavy equipment, slippery ramps, outdated mechanical systems, and cramped kitchen, office, performer and crew spaces. A city request for qualifications says the work is intended to improve ADA access, provide direct stage-level access and make arrival and loading more efficient. Construction likely would be phased.

Design was expected to begin in October 2026. The committee presentation targets an initial construction window from November 2027 through March 2028, when Red Rocks is between concert seasons. An early foundation and shoring package was targeted for April 2027. The presentation also says maintaining amphitheater views and sight lines will be part of the design.

The available record does not specify whether Red Rocks would close, whether concerts would be canceled or relocated, or how construction would affect parking, traffic, noise, safety, public access or backstage operations. The project is aimed at facilities for performers, production crews and staff; the documents do not describe a planned change to general public access.

The committee also is scheduled to consider three separate $3 million Vibrant Denver funding and assignment agreements. Bill 26-1255 would direct funds to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts for capital maintenance or improvements at the Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex. Bill 26-1256 would direct funds to the Denver Zoological Foundation for capital improvements at the Denver Zoo, including projects such as the Guest Experience Hub. Bill 26-1257 would direct funds to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science for life-safety systems and aging HVAC work. Each agreement would run through Dec. 31, 2031, with reimbursements as partner organizations complete project phases, according to the committee agenda.

The four proposed measures total $13,450,983.25 in requested contract and agreement amounts. That sum is separate from the $35.1 million Red Rocks bond allocation and is not the project’s total cost.

The measures were filed Aug. 24 and showed no recorded committee history as of Aug. 28. Their scheduled consideration on Sept. 1 should not be treated as approval.

What to watch

• Whether the committee approves, delays or changes Bills 26-1255 through 26-1258.
• Whether Denver releases a confirmed all-in Red Rocks project budget distinct from the $35.1 million bond allocation.
• How the city and Red Rocks plan to maintain concerts, public access, parking and safety during construction.
• Whether the preliminary backstage concept changes before final design.