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Culture and Community Coming Together

The Newly Renovated Arvada Center

Article by Allison Bankston

Photography by Courtesy of the Arvada Center

Originally published in Arvada Lifestyle

The Arvada Center is celebrating its new, updated appearance and new options for event services. The center has been part of the community since 1976, offering event spaces and a cultural outlet for people of all ages. Once operated by the city, the Arvada Center Event Space (ACES) at the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities is focused on providing attractive rooms for weddings, conferences, corporate gatherings, and anniversary parties, as well as theater, dance and other artistic programs. With the non-profit taking on the job of event planning, the level of service, options, and the overall attractiveness of the facility have been significantly enhanced.

Keisha Makonese, is the director of the Arvada Center Event Space at 6901 Wadsworth Boulevard. She says previously, food options were limited. “We now have a list of caterers that we work with regularly.  And with our new food and beverage partners we can offer themed cocktails, frozen drinks that will enhance our clients experience.”

The Arvada Center’s ballrooms have been operating under the name ACES for a little more than a year, and the decision to change the organization to a non-profit has resulting in more funding opportunities. They've been able to replace furniture, repaint, and update the color scheme.

The center has been exploring theater shows with a dinner or brunch add-on, and the facility also has new technology improving the overall theater experience, with people being able to order their food and drink ahead of arriving. You can still get some of your favorite snacks, along with some new and more refined options.

Keisha, herself, is a painter and makes jewelry, so the artistic realm is her field. “We have two amazing galleries at the center, and we have incredible dance and theater programs.” Being part of those artistic efforts brings a lot of joy to Keisha and to the community. Right now, the summer concert series is underway in the amphitheater, which holds 1,600 visitors. Other performance spaces outside and inside accommodate between 120 and 550 people.

With free parking, the center is just 20 minutes from downtown Denver and steps away from Old Towne Arvada. Outside, people can enjoy a sculpture park and a playground for kids.

The facility also features plenty of breakout spaces for small group meetings, and the center can even bring in instructors to do artistic sessions for corporate team building or for your bridal party.

It's a big change, says Keisha. “It's very attractive and elegant. It's not the same center it was a year ago, and we're looking forward to the Arvada community seeing and enjoying the Arvada Center and booking events with ACES.”

For a tour, contact the Arvada Center Event Space at info@arvadacenter.org or call 720-898-7200.

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