Construction crews in Brighton are putting the finishing touches on a multi-million dollar effort to restore and convert an old armory building into the city's premiere cultural events center.
The Armory at Brighton Cultural Center, located just north of the newly opened library facility, will open its doors to the community Oct. 23. The city is busy planning a weeklong celebration to mark the occasion with performances from local arts groups, dedication ceremonies and a Halloween bash.
Officials with the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority have high hopes for the renovation effort, which was tabbed at approximately $4.6 million. The 87-year-old building that housed old lumber and - occasionally - rats, cats and homeless drifters, is now a sparkling performance venue complete with a refinished wooden dance floor, a large stage, balcony and dressing rooms.
The facility will serve as the new home base for several area arts groups, including the Platte Valley Players, Prairie Playhouse and Brighton Music. It will be a significant upgrade for the groups, which commonly perform out of local schools, churches and recreation centers, said Helen Rodriquez, operations manager for the Armory at Brighton Cultural Center.
"There are many more groups out there too that have never had a venue to perform in that now will with this building," Rodriquez said.
Events at the Armory also will dovetail with programs at the library next door, she said. A small stage outside that faces the library will host spring and summer events, such as outdoor movies, she said.
The Brighton Armory first opened in March 1922 to house members of the Colorado National Guard, in addition to arms and military equipment. Built out of hydrastone, the 5,000-square-foot facility came fashioned with a pool in the basement, which later was filled to make room for a dance floor.
Ownership of the building changed hands through the years until it was purchased by United Lumber, which used the armory to store wood. It is now owned by the Brighton Urban Renewal Authority, a city agency that was formed to help revitalize the city's downtown area.
The armory renovation is considered one of the authority's most ambitious efforts to date. Officials hope the addition of the new library and the armory will breathe life into the downtown economy, which has been in steady decline since the 1970s.
The ribbon cutting ceremony will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Armory, which is located at 300 Strong St., Brighton. Details of the free performances and events can be found at www.brighton
armory.org or by calling 303-655-2026.
Joey Kirchmer: 303-954-2650 or kirchmerj@yourhub.com