Few sights in Downtown Boulder are as iconic as the façade of the Boulder Theater. A building steeped in historical and artistic significance, the theater was originally constructed in 1936 as a grand movie palace, replacing the Curran Opera House, which had operated at the site since 1906. From hosting screenings of avant-garde films to live music performances, community events, and much more, the theater is a mainstay of the Downtown Boulder landscape.
And now, thanks to a joint effort to restore the theater’s façade by the building’s owners, managers, community members, and Historic Boulder, Inc., this landmark is about to be positioned to wow visitors and locals alike for decades to come.
“The Boulder Theater is an anchor to the success of the Pearl Street Mall and the entire downtown,” says Ruth McHeyser, Historic Boulder Board member emerita and co-project manager for the Boulder Theater Rehabilitation. “We’re lucky to have such a beautiful building in the heart of downtown. We are working together to ensure that citizens and visitors will enjoy this unique living reminder of Boulder’s past for another 100 years.”
This restoration stems from an observation a few years back that cracks were beginning to appear on the surface of the theater’s front wall. Upon further inspection, it was discovered that nearly half of the exterior surface had been compromised by water leaks primarily from the deteriorated top of the front wall. That area has since been repaired and sealed. But remaining damage to the structural wall beneath means that the distinct façade—a direct tie to the theater’s history—could crumble if the issues are not addressed.
“The theater today appears much as it did when it was built,” says fellow co-project manager, architect Tom Thorpe. “Its stucco and multi-colored terracotta tile façade features rising sun patterns characteristic of Art Deco motifs. The roof line of the building steps up in height from the sides to the center, just like the nearby Art Deco Boulder County Courthouse. Along with the theater’s entry marquee and elaborate murals inside, these are among the best examples of innovative Art Deco style in all of Colorado.”
Rehabilitating the theater’s façade will involve removing about half of the stucco surface coating—all while retaining the terracotta tiles in place—and repairing the structural wall behind the stucco. The new stucco surface will be applied over the repaired structural wall, and any broken mortar joints between the tiles will be repaired. The project has been made possible by a number of elements, including a grant from the Colorado State Historical Fund to pay half the cost of the repairs. The remaining costs will be paid for by a partnership with the theater’s owner, its managers, Z2 Entertainment, and Historic Boulder’s fundraising efforts.
This project represents the type of work that Historic Boulder—a nonprofit, grassroots organization that advocates for the appreciation and preservation of properties that contribute to the spirit of Boulder—was created to do.
“Historic Boulder is proud of our contributing role in creating 10 historic districts in town, advocating for the landmarking of 218 significant structures and exploring sites for future preservation,” says Ruth. “We continue to champion the preservation of the physical reminders of Boulder’s heritage.”
Construction on the theater’s façade is slated to begin in spring 2025 with anticipated completion that summer. For community members looking to contribute and get involved, Historic Boulder is planning to host a benefit concert at Boulder Theater on January 26. The goals are to raise awareness and funds for the project while celebrating the importance of this legacy property to the community. Boulder’s own Face Vocal Band, an internationally acclaimed all-vocal band with deep community roots, will be headlining the event. All ticket sales and sponsorships for the concert will go directly toward the Boulder Theater rehabilitation fund.
For more information about the concert, tickets, and guidance on how to get involved, visit HistoricBoulder.org.