ACEC/CO Gala to Benefit Landmark Structure

Party will raise funds to help restore Tropical Conservatory

ACEC/CO's 50th anniversary gala on June 15 at the Denver Botanic Gardens will be a benefit to help restore the garden's Edna C. and Claude K. Boettcher Tropical Conservatory, considered one of Colorado's most uniquely engineered landmarks.

Photo courtesy of Denver Botanic Gardens

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado will host its 50th anniversary gala on June 15 at the Denver Botanic Gardens by celebrating the role engineers have played in building Colorado.

CH2M Hill will be the title sponsor for the event, which will raise money to help restore one of Colorado's most uniquely engineered landmarks - the garden's Edna C. and Claude K. Boettcher Tropical Conservatory. The landmark structure was recognized last year by ACEC/CO as one of the state's most notable buildings based on engineering innovations since the 1950s.

Engineering Marvel

Built more than 40 years ago, the conservatory's distinctive concrete, lattice-vaulted shell was engineered by Robert S. Nedell using cast-in-place concrete for its cost-effectiveness and maintenance-free characteristics. The use of concrete, combined with individually preformed Plexiglas panes, was groundbreaking in the 1960s and met both the functional and aesthetic qualities the project required.

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But the building is aging poorly and in need of restoration, according to an infrastructure assessment conducted by David Owen Tryba Architects and Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers.

"The Boettcher Tropical Conservatory is structurally sound," the report found. "However, the challenges of the program have put undo stress on all the building systems. Signs of accelerated deterioration are evidenced in the structural, mechanical, roofing, plumbing and electrical systems of the building and adjacent structures."

A Rewarding Cause

"Holding a fundraising event is new to our organization, but we wanted to celebrate our 50-year anniversary in a meaningful way," said Sandy Donnel, executive director of ACEC/CO. "Engineers have a major role in all infrastructure - from roadways to water supply to safe buildings - all of which greatly impact the quality of life in Colorado.

"The opportunity for us to celebrate what we do, and at the same time help restore a Colorado landmark that showcases an engineering innovation, is rewarding," she said.

ACEC/CO's collaboration with the Denver Botanic Gardens is unique, said the garden's Betsy Cheroutes, director of development and membership.

"This is the first time an organization not affiliated with the gardens has held an event and contributed proceeds back to support our institution," Cheroutes said. "This is an innovative approach, and we are grateful for the engineering council's support."

Sponsor Search

The 50th anniversary party will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $75, and $20 from each ticket sold will be donated to the Denver Botanic Gardens to support conservatory restoration efforts. A portion of sponsor funds for the event will also be donated to the facility.

Three levels of sponsorships are still available - grand, supporting and event.

At the grand level - $5,000 - sponsors will receive prominent recognition at the event, recognition in ACEC/CO's newsletter and the Botanic Gardens magazine, prominent mention in all promotional materials and recognition on the ACEC/CO Web site.

Supporting sponsorships - $1,000 - include recognition at the event, a supporter listing in the ACEC/CO newsletter and recognition in the Botanic Gardens magazine and on the ACEC/CO Web site.

A limited number of event sponsorships, which will help defray the cost of music, food and beverages, are available for $500. They also offer recognition in ACEC/CO's newsletter and Web site and the Botanic Gardens magazine, plus signage in the sponsored area at the gala.

If You Go

Tickets to ACEC/CO's 50th anniversary gala, set for 6 to 9 p.m. on June 15 at the Denver Botanic Gardens, are $75 each or $600 for a block of eight; $20 from the sale of each ticket will be donated to the Botanic Gardens to support restoration of the Boettcher Tropical Conservatory.

Three levels of sponsorship - grand, supporting and event - are also available.

To purchase tickets or to learn about sponsorships, call 303-832-2200 or go to www.acec-co.org.

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