The proposed renovation of the historic Chief Theater on Lincoln Avenue was approved by Steamboat Springs City Council in a 7-0 vote Tuesday evening.

The project, spearheaded by owner Trace Adams, seeks to transform the theater into a multi-use venue with a restaurant, rooftop deck and 800-person capacity. 

The unanimous decision came with the condition that a formalized parking management plan be presented and approved before a temporary certificate of occupancy is issued. The new theater’s estimated opening date is June 2028. 

“Like my family before me, community legacy runs deep in my blood, and I hope to continue that here with my vision for the Chief,” said Adams at the meeting. He spoke of childhood memories of attending movies at the Chief Theater and the venue’s current derelict state of disuse as motivators behind the project. 

“My grandfather, Bob Adams, and father, John Adams, both played very meaningful roles in shaping this community, from operating the local coal mine that once powered much of the region’s economy, to helping improve the Howelsen Hill ski jumps and building the Alpine slide through Winter Sports Club fundraising, to constructing the Bob Adams Airport and the donation of beloved places such as Fish Creek Falls,” Trace Adams explained last fall in a news release. “Their efforts helped shape this valley for the better — and I hope to continue that legacy with my vision for The Chief.”

At Tuesday night’s meeting, a main emphasis was the idea of “rehabilitating” the venue rather than simply re-creating it. Historic Preservation Planner Caitlin Berube-Smith cited three construction options for registered historic buildings: restoration, reconstruction or preservation. Rehabilitation combines all three, allowing for the historic use of the building to stay the same but adapting the building with major changes to its structure. 

Project Architect Tom Davis highlighted the project’s alignment with the Community Canvas and Downtown Plans and called it an “exciting time to set a precedent for what preservation can be.” The front facade and its structure will maintain its historical integrity, featuring light blonde and red brick dating back to the late 1940s, a vertical marquee and a changeable message sign. Everything behind the front facade will essentially be demolished and transformed into the new venue. 

“Historic preservation is not about freezing a building in time and hoping it remains unchanged forever,” said Adams. “It’s about preserving what matters while thoughtfully adapting these places for current and future generations.”

The project was approved with four variances regarding height, average plate height, setback and parking. The current height requirement for buildings with no upper-level residential units is 28 feet. The Chief Theater building height will be 38 feet. 

Davis said the extra 10 feet are necessary for the functionality of a stage that can host both music and theater performances. Vertical space is needed for lighting, sets and sound systems. 

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Similar to the Planning Commission meeting in May, the primary concern from City Council was the parking requirement and the city’s capacity to host events at this scale. The lot’s current requirements are 86 vehicle parking spaces and 18 bike spaces. 

Ace Hardware and the Steamboat Resort have both signed letters of intent to allow off-site parking for the venue, with proposed free shuttle services from the off-site locations to downtown. Councilors John Agosta and Michael Buccino questioned the effectiveness and enforceability of an unsolidified plan, but the applicant assured council that within the 18-month planning process post-approval, a formalized, detailed outline would be created. 

Councilor Gail Garey also raised concerns over the venue conflicting with other large summer events such as the Steamboat GRVL bike event or the Steamboat Springs Pro Rodeo Series. Garey wanted the theater to “coordinate” but not “compete” with the other events throughout the city. Other councilors argued that limiting the timing of large concerts based on other events would hinder the Chief’s business and potential economic gain for the city as a whole. 

“I think that we can accommodate 800 people, especially in an evening, pretty easily as opposed to myself trying to accommodate 6,000 people on a Saturday afternoon,” said Lisa Popovich of Main Street Steamboat, who coordinates the Steamboat Farmers Market in the summer. 

Other minor concerns were raised over noise amplification at night, particularly on the rooftop deck. Adams said that live music on the deck would be limited to daytime. 

During public comment, several community members spoke in support of the project, including Popovich, Steamboat Art Museum Executive Director Betse Grassby, restaurant owner and developer Collin Kelley, and Steamboat Creates Executive Director Kim Keith. 

One community member said having a large concert venue like other ski towns is a “game changer.” Kim Haggarty of Schmiggity’s said she was “beyond excited” for the larger acts that the venue could bring to Steamboat. Other commenters criticized the city for requiring private business owners to create parking solutions. 

Bill Latoza, board president of Historic Routt County, said he disagreed with some of the variances requested and was concerned about overall safety regarding crowd control and potential lines. 

During deliberations, some council members said their parking concerns had been alleviated by the evening’s presentations. 

“I look at this plan and there’s a lot of money involved, a lot of capital involved,” said Council President Steve Muntean. “This is not without risk to you. This is the type of innovation and risk-taking that we need in this town, and we need to support it as best as we can to ensure it’s successful.”