Historic Elitch Theatre

CASE STUDY

HISTORIC ELITCH THEATER

CONTINUING THE LEGACY OF DENVER’S ICONIC CULTURAL CENTER

OVERVIEW PROJECT STATS

Opened in 1891, the historic Elitch Theatre is located on the Denver, CO
former site of Denver’s Elitch Gardens amusement park.
27,000 sq ft
With its last production in 1991, the historic theatre has Completed: December 2020
remained vacant for almost 30 years. EUA is currently
renovating the building to serve as a community center and • 680 seats lower level
restore its original use as a functioning theatre. • 165 seats balcony

The theatre is now celebrating its 130th anniversary and eager (not reconstructed for use yet)
to once again became a Denver cultural center.
HISTORICAL FACTS
HISTORIC ELITCH THEATRE
FOUNDATION PODCAST • The site of Denver’s first motion
picture theatre
An interview with EUA’s Senior Project Manager +
Historic Preservation Expert Jane Crisler: • The home of Denver’s first
eua.com/HET-podcast symphony orchestra

• Colorado’s first Children’s
Museum + activity center

BIRTH OF AN ICON

LATE 1880S

In the late 1880’s, John and Mary Elitch operated Denver’s most popular restaurant, the Elitch Palace Dining room
(now Federal Reserve Bank), when they decided to purchase a farm in neighboring Highlands. Upon selling their
Palace Dining Room in 1888, they decided to turn their farm into a destination for family entertainment and on
May 1, 1890 opened the Elitch’s Zoological Gardens.
​
The Elitch Zoological Gardens immediately became a booming success, drawing Denver residents as well as visitors
from surrounding areas throughout the summer. One of its primary features would be the octagonal theatre, which
was designed after another historic venue – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. Although construction on the
theatre had begun, it was not enclosed, nor did it have chairs on opening day so they planned to introduce it to the
public the following summer.
​

WINTER OF 1890-1891

During the theatre’s construction in Colorado, John Ewlitch went
traveling with his minstrel troupe. While in San Francisco, John
became ill and eventually died on March 10, 1891. At just
34-years-old, Mary was left a widow with the enormous task of
managing the Zoological Gardens, including the new theatre,
herself.
​
In the years to follow, Mary would become one of Denver’s most
iconic women as a result of her challenges. She was the first
female zookeeper, the first woman to run a botanic garden, and
one of the first woman to own a theatre in the United States.

Mary also created a school of drama, dance, botany, zoology

and art. She provided a special place for the children of Denver,

including its orphans. Mary would open the Gardens’ doors for

free “Children Days.” These days were so popular that up to

3,000 children would be on the ground exploring their talents.

​

The original round, open-sided “Playhouse in the Gardens”

evolved over the years to become an enclosed, two-story, wooden Image courtesy of the National Amusement Park Historical Association

tent crowned by a shingled cupola. For the theatre’s 1893 season, a

stock company from New York was employed to present the first full-length season of summer stock in the history of

Denver. The stock company presented 12 full-length plays, plus eight one-act plays in three separate programs. Over

the years, the Elitch Gardens Stock Company became a major draw for actors from both coasts. ​

The Elitch Theatre delighted Denver audiences for 100 years, with the last production occurring in 1991. Subsequently,
this historic and iconic Denver landmark fell into disrepair. In 2002, a group of concerned citizens created the Historic
Elitch Theatre Foundation. Desiring to restore the theatre to its former glory, this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has
worked for over a decade to bring this Colorodo icon back to life for community enjoyment. EUA staff are proud to
have been involved in this effort since 2013.

A NEW VISION FOR A HISTORIC SPACE

Since being left vacant for many years, a large amount of rehabilitation was required while preserving as
much of the historic character and elements as possible. Originally designed to be a seasonal building and
essentially a “wooden tent,” the theatre lacks any form of heating or cooling and even had to be reconnected
to the City’s sewer and water systems. Through aquiring a series of grants including from the Denver Urban
Renewal Authority (DURA) and the State Historical Fund, the Historic Elitch Theatre Foundation has been slowly
completing projects to bring the building up to code and ensure patron safety with partial rehabilitation projects
in 2007, 2011, 2013 and present. Much of the current rehabilitation project has included adding public,
accessible restrooms, restoring exterior lighting and paint, enhancing plumbing and various aethetics upgrades.
Upon completion of the current project, the theatre will have a certificate of occupancy from the City of Denver,
allowing the foundation to host events in the space once again, spuring more activity and donations for
continued progress. The building will continue to operate as a seasonal facitility but sustainable measure were
put in place to enhance outisde airflow to ensure staff, patron and performer comfort.
The theatre’s fly loft (area behind the stage) is said to be the second largest in the state and considered a highly
desirable performance location by theatre groups. Although currently more funding is needed to fully restore this
area to a professional performance level, space will still serve as an excellent and flexible community center for
events such as summer movies, lectures, live music and more. With the ability to host events and start bringing
in cash flow, the Historic Elitch Theatre Foundation will continue to pursue restoring this Denver icon and Historic
Landmark to its former glory.
EUA also worked with the building owner and City to replace the roof of the fly loft that blew off of the building
during a wind storm in 2018. In addition to the roof pulling away, it damaged masonry on the fly loft and
crushed one of the wood entry porticoes at the theatre. EUA worked closely with JVA Engineers, the Ballard
Group, Corey Electrical Engineering and Palace Construction to complete this recent repair and
rehabilitation work.

The Globe Theatre inspired, octagonal theatre during its original debut (L) and before commencing restoration (R).

HOME TO THE STARS

Elitch Theatre was home to the oldest summer stock theatre in America and hosted
the screening of Colorado’s first moving picture in 1896. Many pioneers and
famous faces of the theatre industry passed through this iconic American playhouse
at one point in their career, including Grace Kelly, Sarah Bernhardt, Douglas
Fairbanks, Edward G. Robinson, William Shatner, Mickey Rooney, Patty Duke, Robert
Redford, Debbie Reynolds, Ginger Rogers, Jimmy Stewart and more. One early star,
nicknamed “Tony”, was 11-years-old when she debuted on the Elitch stage. This
Denver girl grew up to be famous Broadway producer, Antoinette Perry, namesake
of the “Tony Awards”. In 1905, leading man Cecil B. DeMille stated that the Elitch
Theatre was, “the cradle of American theater.”

MARY ELITCH’S Mary Elitch continued to be special to the patrons of the Elitch Theatre years after
LEGACY her passing. Throughout the years, there have been reports of paranormal
activity from everyone from staff to the actors at the theatre. It is said that her
CONTINUES spirit continues to find its home at the theatre, residing over her beloved space
and paying kind visits to patrons wearing a feather boa and full-length gown.

In honor of the “Gracious Lady of the Gardens,” still to this day, whenever the
theatre hosts an event, the box seat at stage left, said to be Mary’s spot, is
reserved for her with fresh flowers. The tale of Mary and the Elitch Theatre was
featured on an episode of the show “Ghost Hunters.”

Jane Crisler, AIA, LEED AP is EUA’s Senior Project Manager +
Historic Preservation Specialist for the Historic Elitch Theatre
Restoration Project.

Mary Elitch with her pet baby bear cubs rumored to
live in her house with her

1899 Wynkoop St, Suite 300 | Denver, CO 80202 | 303.595.4500

denver : milwaukee : madison eua.com