The restored Ute Theater in Rifle received a Governor’s Award for Downtown Excellence in the category of “Best Adaptive Reuse or Rehabilitation”.
The theater, originally constructed in 1946,and served as the community’s movie theater for decades, was purchased by the city and renovated, with construction being completed in May 2014. It now serves as a performance theater and events center.
“The City of Rifle is honored by this award. It recognizes a collaboration of many parties to preserve a structure with community significance while bringing forward a first class events center.” says Rifle City Manger matt Sturgeon. “A special thanks to PNCI, Johnson Carter Architects, The New Ute Theater Society, and HR Interior Design as well as the many subcontractors that played a role in delivering this award winning facility.”
“This year’s nominees represent some of Colorado’s best contributions to vibrant local communities,” said Katherine Correll, executive director, Downtown Colorado, Inc. “On behalf of DCI members, board of directors, and staff, we congratulate the winners and all of the nominees for excellent work to enhance Colorado’s commercial districts.”
Since 2003, the Governor’s Awards for Downtown Excellence has recognized outstanding projects and people that reflect an attitude of perseverance and dedication to community revitalization in Colorado.
Winning projects have been visionary and creative problem-solving solutions accomplished through local grassroots efforts, strong partnerships and innovation. Past winning projects have shown a commitment to traditional and new urban concepts, mixed-use development, historic preservation, public space enhancement and sustainable technology. Some successful projects have combined “best practices” from more than one discipline, often becoming the catalyst for other development in the community.
All Governor’s Awards winners will be featured at the Governor’s Award Dinner and Reception at the Lincoln Center in Fort Collins, at 5:30pm on September 11th. The winners will also receive a certificate signed by Governor John Hickenlooper, State of Colorado; Reeves Brown, Executive Director, Department of Local Affairs; and John Plakorus, DCI Board Chair.
Don Chaney
Cultural and Special Events Manager
City of Rifle
202 Railroad Ave
Rifle, CO 81650
970-665-6560
