Golden’s Miners Alley Playhouse opens the town’s first-ever performing arts center, breathing new life into the historic Meyer Hardware store.
After nearly 50 years as a beloved hardware store, Meyer Hardware in downtown Golden is making way for a new chapter in its history. The iconic building will soon be home to the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center, marking the first-ever performing arts center in the town’s 161-year history. The theater company, known as MAP, has been a fixture in Golden for the past 20 years, and this move represents a major step forward for the troupe. With a state-of-the-art theater and plans for a piano bar, the new center aims to elevate the performing arts scene in Golden and become a vibrant hub for the community.
A New Home for MAP
The first phase of the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center will kick off with the opening of a new theater just one block away from the troupe’s previous location. The inaugural production, “The Great American Trailer Park Christmas Musical,” promises to be a fun-filled experience for audiences. The move to the new space is part of a larger vision to expand MAP’s reach and impact in Golden.
From Humble Beginnings to Community Impact
MAP’s journey began in 2003 when the theater company opened its doors with the support of the Golden Civic Foundation. Over the past two decades, MAP has staged over 100 productions, attracting audiences from both Golden and beyond. The theater’s attendance has steadily grown, reaching 20,000 visitors annually, with 92% coming from outside the town. In addition to its artistic achievements, MAP has also made a significant economic impact on the community, bringing in an estimated $7.5 million since 2018.
A Community Effort
The transformation of the Meyer Hardware store into a performing arts center was made possible through a public-private partnership. MAP secured funding from the state’s arts office, as well as the Golden Downtown Development Authority and the Golden Urban Renewal Authority. The underdog bid from MAP was backed by the Golden Civic Foundation, local businesses, and the community, who rallied behind the vision of creating a cultural hub in place of the hardware store.
A New Town Square
Beyond its role as a performing arts center, MAP envisions the new space as Golden’s new town square. The founders, Len Matheo and Lisa DeCaro, believe that exposure to the performing arts fosters empathy, connection, and a sense of community. They hope that the new MAP will serve as an antidote to the divisions and technological distractions of modern life. The center plans to offer expanded programming, learning opportunities, and a gathering space for young people.
A Vision for the Future
The Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center is planned in two phases. The first phase includes the opening of a state-of-the-art theater with 157 seats. In the second phase, the seating capacity will expand to 300, and a smaller studio theater will be added. The center will also feature an education center with multiple classrooms, providing space for expanded programming and community engagement. Additionally, there are plans for community meeting spaces, a large lobby showcasing the history of the building, a lounge area, and upgraded backstage facilities.
Conclusion: The transformation of the Meyer Hardware store into the Miners Alley Playhouse Performing Arts Center represents a significant milestone for the town of Golden. With its state-of-the-art facilities and expanded programming, the center aims to elevate the performing arts scene in Golden and foster a sense of community. The founders’ vision for MAP goes beyond entertainment, focusing on the power of the performing arts to connect people and create a shared experience. As the curtains rise on the new theater, Golden’s cultural landscape is set to be forever transformed.
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