Orion Environmental – Resurrecting the Past New Life Being Breathed into Historic Denver Area Building – Loretto Heights
Resurrecting the Past New Life Being Breathed into Historic Denver Area Building – Loretto Heights
Just because something is old doesn’t mean there isn’t value or beauty in it….
“The historic buildings of Loretto Heights stand prominently on a hilltop site in southwest Denver with a stunning panoramic view. They served students from 1891 until 2017 — first as a girls’ boarding school on the prairie, and later in several iterations including colleges, a high school, nursing school and military training ground. In addition to playing a large role in the history of women in Colorado, the campus’s buildings were designed by some of Denver’s most prominent and accomplished architects and reflect the architectural styles and materials of their era. When World War I erupted, the sisters turned Loretto Heights Academy into a military training ground and held a National Service School. In 1963, the campus added a dedicated library and theater, designed by G. Meredith Musick. Musick was a well-known local architect who designed the First Baptist Church at 14th and Grant, the Bryant-Webster Elementary School, Fitzsimmons Army Hospital and Lowry Air Force Base.” – Historic Denver
“When the theater opened, it was the second largest and most professionally equipped theatre, making Loretto Heights a top undergraduate theatre program nationally.” – Denver Arts & Venues
“In November 2021, Denver voters approved bond funds to support the city’s acquisition of the May Bonfils Theater so that it can be rehabilitated for community use. Adaptive reuse is also slated for other notable buildings, such as the library, Machebeuf Hall and the priest’s house.” – Historic Denver
So, why does all of this matter and what does it mean for Orion Environmental and the surrounding Denver community?
For Orion we are proud to be a part of a project of this significance. The renovation and reuse of both the library and theater will not only help to meet the growing demand for mid-ranged preforming arts facilities, but it also provides opportunities for expansions of the new cultural hub that will include performance and teaching spaces. With Denver Arts & Venues purchase of these two buildings they plan to “Renovate and repurpose the theater and accompanying library and will additionally build a parking garage near the space.” in doing this Orion is able to assist in bringing the building(s) up to code by heading up the Asbestos Abatement and spill response.
We are proud to be a port of this ongoing restoration and renovation project in Southwest Denver, and will continue to share updates as our work progress and is completed.
Have your own historical building that needs brought back to life? Reach out using the link below and see how we can help!