The City of Colorado Springs announced that AVA Presents has been selected as the new managing operator for the historic City Auditorium. This decision follows a year-long process to identify a qualified partner to revitalize, operate, and reactivate the downtown venue.
Built over a century ago, the City Auditorium was originally designed as a multi-purpose space to serve the civic, cultural, and entertainment needs of the community. In recent years, the building has required significant maintenance and investment to restore it to full operation.
Following a rigorous review process, AVA Presents was selected by an internal City committee. AVA Presents brings decades of experience in venue management and live event production, with a proven track record of activating historic venues across the country.
“This is an important step forward in bringing new life to one of our most beloved civic buildings," said Ryan Trujillo, Deputy Chief of Staff for the City of Colorado Springs. “This project reflects our commitment to thoughtful downtown investment through public-private partnerships to create improved cultural investments for all residents.”
AVA Presents plans to revitalize the City Auditorium as a dynamic, all-purpose venue that hosts concerts, festivals, community events, and cultural programming. Their goal is to restore the historic space while making it accessible, inclusive, and vibrant — a creative hub that reflects the spirit of Colorado Springs and energizes the downtown core.
“I am a Colorado Springs native and went to Palmer High, just blocks from the Auditorium, so this building holds personal meaning for me,” said Jesse Morreale, Principal of AVA Presents. “We’re honored to return it to the community as a destination for arts, culture, and shared experiences, not just as a concert venue, but a creative heartbeat for downtown.”
The proposed lease agreement includes:
- A five-year initial term with four optional five-year renewals, allowing up to 25 years of partnership.
- All capital improvement investments will be made by AVA Presents.
- The City is not required to contribute any funds towards correcting deferred maintenance or to renovation and modernization of the property
- Continued City ownership of the building, while AVA Presents oversees renovation, restoration, and preservation of the building, and day-to-day operations and programming once the venue is restored to operation.
- A commitment to reintegrate community and cultural programming into the venue’s calendar.
Due to the nature of the lease involving what could be considered below fair market value, City Council approval is required to finalize the agreement.