Improvements
Red Rocks Infrastructure Improvements
Subsurface Seating Stabilization
This winter, you may have noticed construction in the lower part of the seating area. The project stabilized and fixed this area of the amphitheatre that was built on less stable fill and had settled over the past 78 years. The area was carefully dismantled and a new subsurface structure was installed. The concrete, stone and benches have all been returned to the same layout as the original design. The project was completed in early April 2019 – just in time for the 2019 concert season.
North Storm Water Channel Rehabilitation
The north storm water channel along the outer North Stairs was rehabilitated between December 2019 and February 2019 to repair existing flagstone and to add stone where it was previously missing. A stone retaining wall was added as part of the project to help mitigate erosion at the top of the drainage channel. The channel was completed in February 2019.
Trading Post Updates and Remodeling
The Red Rocks Trading Post was designed by W.R. Rosche and built in 1931, predating the amphitheatre by about 10 years. Over time, the structure has received updated including updated restrooms, landscaping and other repairs.
Between 2018-2019, the following repairs were made:
- Window restoration with new storm windows for better building efficiency
- Updated HVAC for better summertime comfort
- New roofing with improved insulation
- Exterior stucco repairs with a focus on the parapet wall
- The installation of a new storefront main door, providing more interior daylight and great views
- Updated the accessible restroom on the main level
- Restoration of the interior stained glass skylight
- The installation of a bell into the Bell Tower on April 9, 2019. This operable bell helps restore the facade to its original appearance while adding some fun by ringing every hour on the hour or for special occasions
Visitor Center Service Road Retaining Wall Update
When the Visitor Center service road was constructed in 2012, the retaining wall had its stone veneer value engineered out of the project. However the structure needed to add the stone later was kept in place. During the winter of 2018-2019, the wall was finally dressed in its rightful strip flagstone, sourced from Lyons, CO, to properly connect it with the amphitheatre. Be sure to enjoy the view of this wall from the Top Circle lot or ramp to the top of the amphitheatre.
Red Rocks Depot
The Upper North lot is now fully open! Construction has concluded on the Red Rocks Depot, located in the Upper North lot at Red Rocks. The Depot was built into the hillside to minimize its impact, and is home to our waste management operations and provides space for several of our facility operations. The building also contains public restroom facilities that will serve both visitors and concertgoers.
Some of the architectural elements that went into the unique design aesthetic of The Depot that allow the facility to blend in with and pay homage to the park and amphitheatre include:
- Board from concrete exterior walls (relating to the technique used for forming the concrete in the backstage area of the amphitheatre).
- COR-TEN Weathering Steel garage doors and accents.
- Smooth sandstone blocks on the exterior/interior of the restroom (a different take on the Lyons sandstone used in the amphitheatre).
- A green roof using native grasses and vegetation.
- The building opened in April 2019 and is in full operation.
Enhanced Road, Lot and Trail lighting:
New for 2019 is the addition of road lighting along Red Rocks Trail Road, portions of Red Rocks Park Road and portions of Trading Post Road. The lighting in the Upper South lot has also been replaced. The Funicular Trail and Will Call Trail are also receiving new lighting. All new lighting is energy-efficient LED and is intended to provide a safer environment for drivers and pedestrians using these areas.
