MCA Executive Director Keven Burnett and Program Manager Diane Deeter show off the new performance/event room.
The public is invited!
Grand Opening of The Cube
Thursday, December 1, 4–7pm
8371 Northfield Blvd.
The Shops at Conservatory Green
Family-friendly happy hour
The Cube is actually a large rectangular interior space built for “community-based programming”—theater, workshops, political forums, banquets, lectures, receptions, wine and beer tastings—and almost anything else the creative minds in Stapleton can dream up. Managed by the Stapleton Master Community Association (MCA), its grand opening will be December 1.
While not exactly a cube, the facility derives its name from its intended purpose—community cultural center. MCA Executive Director Kevin Burnett says the facility is a “response to the community”—a survey originally done to investigate acquisition of the control tower showed a strong desire for a community cultural center. While that acquisition didn’t pan out, the MCA pushed ahead with a plan to create a satellite office and event center. Working with Jon Houser of Drake Development, they revised plans for two adjacent buildings in the new retail center and converted the breezeway between the buildings into a lobby space connecting the event center to the satellite MCA office.
A raised roof/high ceiling marks the entryway to the new MCA office/event space now dubbed The Cube.
All told, the new facility comprises 7,500 square feet with the event center consuming about 3,000 square feet. The balance is made up of the new satellite office, prep kitchen, storage room and large vestibule providing access to public bathrooms. Those bathrooms will be available during outdoor MCA-sponsored events located just to the north in Conservatory Green.
MCA Community Director Diane Deeter says she hopes to bring successful outdoor events indoors at The Cube and to “grow new events organically,” just as the MCA has done throughout its history. The event center can accommodate 250 people comfortably. While there is shared off-street parking on the north side of the building, the MCA plans to have valet parking for large events. The MCA is hiring a “Cube manager” and an MCA staff person will be on hand at all events. Rental fees will be assessed to help the MCA cover its costs.
The satellite office function will enable the MCA to offer extended hours. Deeter emphasized that MCA’s main administrative office will remain at the E. 29th Ave. Town Center (7350 E. 29th Ave., Ste. 300). While that office will operate during normal business hours, The Cube front desk will be staffed and the hours of operation will be available on the MCA website at www.stapletoncommunity.com.
Burnett calls The Cube an “investment in our community. This is part of what we fund and we have been very purposeful since the beginning of Stapleton in addressing the need for cultural arts and events space.” The MCA is funded through property assessments and is charged with operating and maintaining various public assets in Stapleton including parks, pools and utility infrastructure. The MCA leases both its main administrative office and the new Cube facility.
