Curious Theatre Company sells its longtime home, but the troupe isn't going anywhere

The building is being turned into an arts center by real-estate developer David Spira.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:35pm

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An abstract, minimalist illustration featuring bold, jagged shapes and silhouettes in high-contrast red and black, conceptually representing a theater stage and performance.The sale of Curious Theatre Company's longtime home will allow the troupe to continue performing while the building undergoes a major renovation.Denver Today

Curious Theatre Company has sold the Civic Center church where it has performed for decades to a real estate developer, David Spira, for $1.9 million. The deal will stabilize the troupe's long-term finances while still allowing them to use the building for the next five years. Spira plans to renovate the historic building into a 'cultural destination' that will host other arts organizations, including his own Denver Music Appreciation Society.

Why it matters

Curious Theatre Company has struggled with post-pandemic attendance and financial woes, so the sale of their longtime home was a necessary move to stabilize the troupe's finances. The deal allows them to continue performing in the building while also opening up the space for other arts organizations, potentially expanding the cultural offerings in the area.

The details

Curious Theatre Company has performed at the former Rocky Mountain Bible Institute church for the past three decades, first as a renter starting in 1997 and then as an owner in 2008. The building was purchased by Acoma Theatre, LLC, which is associated with real-estate executive David Spira and Spira Giving Colorado, a family foundation that supports the arts. Spira plans to apply for a state historic designation for the building and renovate it into a 'cultural destination that serves Denver for generations.' The renovations will take around 18 months, and Curious Theatre will return to the building in 2027. The project will also add about 50 seats to the venue.

  • Curious Theatre Company has performed at the former Rocky Mountain Bible Institute church for the past three decades, first as a renter starting in 1997 and then as an owner in 2008.
  • Curious Theatre Company sold the building this week for $1.9 million.
  • Renovations will take around 18 months, and Curious Theatre will return to the building in 2027.

The players

Curious Theatre Company

A theater company that has performed at the Civic Center church for the past three decades.

David Spira

A real-estate executive who purchased the building through his company Acoma Theatre, LLC and plans to renovate it into a 'cultural destination.'

Spira Giving Colorado

A family foundation associated with David Spira that supports the arts.

Denver Music Appreciation Society

An organization run by David Spira that plans to host concerts in the renovated building.

Emily Whalen

A spokesperson for Curious Theatre Company.

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What they’re saying

“'We always hoped for a deal with a leaseback, and that's exactly what we got.'”

— Emily Whalen, Curious Theatre spokesperson

“'I love saving buildings. We're going to need the support of the public and the Curious Theatre audiences that have gone there over the years. We're looking forward to reconnecting with the community on this project and involving everybody with our plans.'”

— David Spira

What’s next

Renovations will take around 18 months, and Curious Theatre will return to the building in 2027.

The takeaway

This deal allows Curious Theatre Company to stabilize its finances while continuing to perform in its longtime home, which will also be renovated and expanded to serve as a broader cultural destination for the Denver community.