Helen Bonfils Theatre Complex Renovation

The Helen G Bonfils Theatre Complex was built by the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) and granted to the City of Denver in 1979. At the time it was built, Time magazine called it “the crown jewel of the Rockies”, and the Tony Award-winning theatre produced within its walls since that time has only added to its significance. Over 150 new plays have originated in the DCPA’s new play program. Turner provided preconstruction and construction management services for extensive renovations to the Helen G Bonfils Theatre Complex at the DCPA. This project—the second Turner has completed in the complex since 2016—greatly improved patron accessibility and equality of experience, patron circulation, finishes, and production capacity. The entire scope spanned 115,572 sq. ft. and was phased to accommodate the theatre schedule and minimize disruptions to building operations. Phase 1 included renovations and improvements to the back-of-house dressing rooms, offices, restrooms, and support spaces on level two. The scope also included construction of a limited-use, limited-application (LULA) elevator, a new floor slab adjacent to the Wolf Theatre for additional storage and ADA access to the stage, and public restrooms. Phase 2 included renovations to the existing 657-seat thrust-style Wolf Theatre, 199-seat proscenium-style Singleton Theatre, lobby spaces, and the remaining back-of house production spaces. One passenger elevator was decommissioned and removed, and two new passenger elevators were added. The project also included a generator, enlarged electrical service, air-handling units, and life-safety improvements.