Architectural Alchemy: How Semple Brown Reimagined Colorado Mesa University’s Cultural Centerpiece
New Asteria Theater at Colorado Mesa University Highlights Design Prowess of Semple Brown Design
Semple Brown Design is proud to announce its role in the successful completion and opening of the new Asteria Theater on the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) campus. The firm, which has successfully planned and designed more than thirty theaters in Colorado, was responsible for helping to envision and achieve a theater design that would:
- serve the performing arts needs of the campus performing arts programs
- enable CMU to partner with community and touring artists to elevate the range of performance activity available on the Western Slope
- support CMU’s desire to fill a much-needed role as convenor for civic and community gatherings.
- and help catalyze the development of a new "community edge" for Colorado Mesa that includes a new hotel as well as new restaurants, residence halls, and more.
“Colorado Mesa University challenged Semple Brown to create a distinctive design and to implement it within a very tight schedule. We’re proud to deliver a theater design that is unique in the Mountain West with a building design that makes the Asteria a standout destination,” said Chris Wineman of Semple Brown Design. “The Asteria Theater combines extensive technical capability – an orchestra pit, orchestra shell, adjustable acoustics -- with innovative patron amenities. We’re honored to continue more than two decades of work to enhance CMU’s arts facilities, and to work with such an outstanding team of professionals and visionaries.”
As reported by the Montrose Press: The 860-seat theatre supports CMU’s music and theatre arts curriculum, providing a state-of-the-art venue for students to train, perform and learn in. Located across the street from CMU’s Hotel Maverick, the theatre will anchor a new entertainment district complete with additional housing, restaurants and retail space.
The theatre’s interior was designed to reflect the region’s desert landscape and unique topography. The exterior’s starry facade filled with inset lights inspired the building’s name. At night, the lights replicate the sparkling night sky, blending naturally on the horizon with the actual stars when viewed from the Hotel Maverick patio.
Among its many backstage amenities, the theatre will also provide elevated event spaces including a multipurpose room, a private club level and rooftop deck. Three seating levels within the audience chamber provide an intimate experience for attendees, while a mechanical orchestra pit and large stage provides expansive abilities for a range of performances.
The $54 million project was funded by the State of Colorado and private fundraising by the CMU Foundation.
More information about Semple Brown Design is available at www.semplebrown.com.
