Revitalizing a Cultural Landmark for Future Generations
The renovation and expansion of the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center for the Healing Arts is a transformative project that honors the legacy of dance while creating a modern, sustainable space for artistic expression. Led by Mortenson in partnership with Fentress Architects, this ambitious effort more than doubles the facility’s size with a 25,000-square-foot addition, including an underground 240-seat performance venue, four state-of-the-art dance studios, and upgraded amenities—all designed to elevate the experience for artists and audiences alike.
Project Highlights
- Expansive Growth: A four-level addition adds 25,000 square feet for expanded programming and accessibility.
- Underground Theatre: A 240-seat sub-grade venue engineered for superior soundproofing and temperature stability.
- Modern Studios & Amenities: Four new dance studios, dressing rooms, exercise areas, and a welcoming atrium with ADA accessibility.
- Historic Integration: Creative solutions, including a specialized expansion joint, seamlessly connect the glass atrium to the original church façade.
Unique Construction Features
Mortenson’s expertise brought innovative solutions to life:
- Mitrex Photovoltaic Panel Cladding: The East façade features photovoltaic panels that generate clean energy while displaying Labanotation choreography from Cleo Parker Robinson’s iconic “Mary Don’t You Weep.” This first-of-its-kind installation in the U.S. merges art and sustainability.
- Energy-Efficient SageGlass Windows: Dynamic glass with 54 colorful fins reduces glare, optimizes daylight, and improves energy performance—lowering HVAC demand by up to 25%.
- Sprung Dance Floors: Specialized flooring in studios and the flex theatre enhances dancer comfort, minimizes vibration, and improves acoustics.
- Acoustic Engineering: Integrated soundproofing ensures exceptional performance quality in the underground venue.
- Completion Date
November 2025
- Project Cost
$25,000,000
- Delivery Method
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Construction Manager at Risk/General Contractor/Construction Manager
- Additional Project Facts
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Owner: Cleo Parker Robinson Dance
Architect: Fentress Studios, a Populous Company
25,000 Square Feet
Grand Opening: January 2026
The Challenge & Our Solution
The Challenge:
Preserve the integrity of the Historic Shorter AME Church—built in 1889 and central to Denver’s African American heritage—while creating a modern, 25,000-square-foot addition for Cleo Parker Robinson Dance.
Our Solution:
Mortenson partnered with Fentress Architects to deliver a design that honors history and embraces innovation:
- A striking glass atrium connects old and new without altering the landmark.
- Specialized expansion joints protect the historic structure.
- Preservation protocols safeguarded original materials during construction.
- A respectful juxtaposition of glass and brick symbolizes continuity.
- Community voices shaped every detail, ensuring the new Center reflects its cultural roots.
What Set This Project Apart
Community at the Heart of the Build
This project was shaped by the voices and values of Denver’s Five Points neighborhood. From early design conversations to the final ribbon cutting, Mortenson and Fentress worked hand-in-hand with Cleo Parker Robinson Dance and local partners to create a space that reflects the community’s spirit. The new Center is more than a building—it’s a cultural anchor where creativity, education, and wellness converge. Every detail, from the sunlit atrium to the flexible performance spaces, was designed to welcome neighbors, nurture artists, and inspire future generations.
Projects like this remind me that buildings aren’t just structures—they’re stories. The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Center tells a story of perseverance, creativity, and cultural pride. Being part of that narrative has been such a meaningful chapter of my career.