Thornton considers options for a performing arts center

BY LUKE ZARZECKI LZARZECKI@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

A new performing arts center may be in the cards for ornton, and how it will manifest is full of possibilities.

e news comes from the June 5 planning session meeting when consultants presented their research on whether it’s doable for the city to build a new facility.

ose results weren’t promising.

But councilors directed sta to see how much a di erent study will cost to look into other possibilities, such as building a more exible space, having the facility be part of a larger-scale development, folding the plans in with a new downtown area, and others.

Previous study e task of the consultants was to update previous feasibility studies from 2018 and 2019 that looked into whether a multi-use arts, cultural and event center made sense in ornton. ey looked at two options, a community theater with 500 seats, classrooms, studios, art galleries and more or larger, revenue-generating theater with 1,500 seats, meeting rooms, classrooms and more.

One factor was that there are already many performance venues in the Denver Metro area. Northglenn already has one that is already used and well-liked, consultant Gena Buhler, said.

“ ere are over 900 concerts and music events already here, so how do you make a di erence and make a di erent experience when there is already so much here?” Buhler said. ornton is projected to grow in population, she said, and the demand for arts and culture will too. However, the residents are expected to age so it’s key to be multipurpose and exible.

Buhler also said that community engagement for her study was low, which included