Semple Brown Design was challenged to convert a 1960s-era college arts center into a comprehensive campus for Denver’s 1100-student magnet School of the Arts. Creative rehabilitation of the existing building helped maximize the budget, taking advantage of the existing 550-seat theatre, 320-seat recital hall and 75-seat black box theatre. Significant additions included a 125-seat dance theatre, music rehearsal studios, visual art studios, library/media center and a small film/video sound stage, as well as classrooms for grades 6-12. As challenging as the technical considerations was the enhancement of the school’s character of collaboration – often demonstrated on the informal performance platforms and exhibit galleries in the student commons and the entry courtyard.

*Project is an association with Klipp Architects