The 50,000 SF PACE performing arts venue is much more than just a state of the art 600-seat theater.  The Town of Parker, CO has recently opened the doors of the brand new arts & cultural center to the public, offering the space towards a range of events, from weddings & concerts to ballet & computer technology classes.

The concept of the building's materiality is rooted in the deep history of the site, once occupied by bullwhackers and pioneers, and then eventually home to one of the first inter-state railroad lines in Colorado.  The low lying 1-story structure, characterized by dark brick masonry, is meant to be a background and rhythm to the long northern facade allowing for the punctuated variety of fenestration and transparency into the building.  These intermittent [and sometimes very large] expanses of glass reinforce the human scale and interface to the public.  Corten steel, whether in solid staggered panels on the 3-story stage fly-tower or perforated sheets at the main entry, provide a warm contrast to the cool tones inherent in the expanses of brick and glass. 

While the north side is relatively playful in massing and transparency, the south side is unabashedly open to the seasonal flowing gulch below.  Large overhangs provide shade and shelter to an outdoor plaza in summer, while still allowing daylight to flood the main lobby and multi-functional ballroom.  Additional glare control can be managed during the late afternoon through automatic window shades.

The stage &  support spaces have been considered for all types of performances, allowing for maximum flexibility while still providing a high level of quality in acoustics, lighting and rigging options.  Audience members are provided a range of viewing experiences within a relatively compact theater without compromising comfort or sight lines. 

Both the design & construction team team worked tirelessly to deliver a building that accommodated all the best principles of modernity, community values, functionality and theatrical drama.

PACE website.

Semple Brown Design team: Chris Wineman [PIC]; Bryan Schmidt; Sarah Brown; Rusty Brown; Rob Forslund; Sage Case; Tom Gallagher; Dru Schwyhart; Katie Vossman; JC Elder

All photographs Copyright Ron Pollard Photography