Celebrating 50 Years
Celebrating 50 Years
The Beginning
The firm is founded as Leland B. Roberts & Associates by Leland “Bud” Roberts.
Schlage-Lock Co.
The firm designed the Schlage-Lock Co. manufacturing building in Fountain, Colorado. One of the most popular brands of consumer and commercial locks in the US, Schlage-Lock, moved its headquarters to Colorado Springs in 1997.
Dave Magargal Joins RTA
Dave first began working with Bud Roberts at his firm, Leland B. Roberts Associates, in 1979. As one of four architects in the early days of the firm, Dave worked closely with Bud and Randy for several years, helping to establish the firm’s presence in the area.
Looart Press Design and Master Plan
The firm began working with Looart Press, a well-known local greeting card and marketing company, on a master plan. This was the start of a long relationship with Looart, and when they became Current, the firm completed the design of their new headquarters building off Woodmen Road that eventually expanded to include all their departments and operations.
Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame
RTA designed the iconic Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs in a series of phases starting in 1979. The first phase focused on creating a home for the PRCA offices, a national museum called the Pro Rodeo Hall of Champions, and developing a master plan for the 12-acre site. The second phase, completed in 1996, added space to the PRCA offices, the Hall of Champions, and an outdoor garden. RTA completed a third phase in 2001, which added an outdoor garden pavilion. Since its completion, this landmark has become a premier destination for visitors to explore the rich history of rodeo and serves as a vibrant event space for the community.
Maytag Residence
The firm designed the Maytag Residence in Castle Rock. Seeking a getaway in Colorado, the Maytag family, the well-known manufacturing and appliance company, retained Bud Roberts to design a Spanish-style villa that would become their sanctuary.
American Numismatic Museum
RTA designs the Addition and Remodel of the American Numismatic Museum in Colorado Springs and completed a subsequent design for the museum library expansion in 2000. This iconic museum has helped students and visitors learn about the world of money for generations.
Randy Thorne joins the Firm
Randy began his career as a contractor, but an interest in key design decisions and client interaction led him to explore architecture. He graduated from Kansas State University with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 1979 and joined Leland B. Roberts & Associates as an architect in 1982. As one of the original founders, Principal, and President, Randy was a key leader in shaping the direction and culture.
1983
Bud’s Office
Bud Robert’s office, located at 720 N. Tejon Street, is designed.
First Presbyterian Expansion
Established in 1872, the First Presbyterian Church sits in a prominent location in downtown Colorado Springs. The growing church retained RTA to complete a master plan and design a three-phase expansion and remodel that added a new chapel, narthex, parlor, choir, nursery, fellowship hall, classrooms, gymnasium, activity center, and youth center.
"First Presbyterian Church was a critical project for us launching our success in master planning and complex remodels and additions in an urban setting and Colorado Springs."
RANDY THORNE
Air Force Academy
Roberts Thorne Architects began work on a series of projects at the Air Force Academy as part of an open-ended contract. From 1986 to 1992, the firm completed several small projects throughout the Air Force Academy, including restroom updates for numerous buildings, and a press box expansion for the stadium.
The Firm Becomes Roberts Thorne Architects
The firm's name was changed to Roberts Thorne Architects, and a partnership between Bud Roberts and Randy Thorne was established.
Penrose Work Begins
Namaste Alzheimer's Care, a Penrose St. Francis facility, was our first large healthcare project. Sister Myra James Bradley sent us on a mission to learn about designing for Alzheimer's care.
This beginning paved the way for our long relationship with Penrose. Notable early projects include a surgery center renovation that won the prestigious American Society for Healthcare Engineering's Project Team Vista Award in 1997 and numerous internal renovations to Penrose, such as a new G.I. lab facility in 2000, a new admitting area, and renovation of the surgery center, lobby, and many patient floors.
Colorado Springs School Theater & Classroom Addition
In a series of projects, the firm designed a classroom addition and a new the theater/auditorium for the Colorado Springs School. Located in the Broadmoor area, the prestigious Colorado Springs School is located on a beautiful campus at the foot of the Rocky Mountains.
Michelle Kersey
Michelle joined the team in July of 1992 and has been an integral part of RTA ever since. As the Finance Manager, she wears many hats to support our office and keep things running smoothly.
A New Name
The firm name changed to RTA Architects, which simplified the Roberts Thorne & Associates firm name.
John Hoelscher
John joined RTA as a Principal and became one of the leaders of the healthcare team. John was integral to many of our most well-known healthcare projects, including St. Francis Hospital and Penrose Hospital. In 2016, he became the President of RTA and led the firm until 2020.
Jack Quinn Irish Alehouse and Pub
Commissioned in 1997, RTA began to renovate one of the oldest buildings in Colorado Springs, originally built in 1872. Jack Quinn is a two-story Irish restaurant/bar. The owner wanted an authentic Irish pub. To meet this goal, all interior millwork and finishes were inspired and obtained from Dublin, including Irish craftsman installed final finishes.
St. Thomas More Hospital
RTA completed the master plan and facilities upgrade of St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City, CO. This project started the current long relationship between RTA and St. Thomas More Hospital.
Audubon Medical Center
Designed by RTA, the Audubon Medical Campus provides a welcoming atmosphere for the delivery of outpatient medical services. Audubon was developed as a partnership between several large medical practices, a local hospital, and individual physicians with a common vision that the current hospital was not the most convenient, effective, or comfortable setting for treating healthy patients. RTA provided design services for the majority of the medical suites in subsequent years.
Parkview Hospital Expansion
Parkview Medical Center, a 305-bed hospital in Pueblo, Colorado, serves the front-range communities in the southern part of the state. The RTA-designed expansion introduced two new 27-bed patient care units and a dedicated level for outpatient services. This addition seamlessly integrated with the existing structure, which had been designed to accommodate the new program areas.
Bromley East K-8 Charter School
Located in Brighton, this state-of-the-art school was one of the first new K-8 schools in Colorado and was the first new school designed by RTA.
Pat Ziuchkovski Joins RTA
Pat, known as Pat “Z,” was one of the original leaders of RTA’s educational practice. Over the course of his 20+ years with RTA, Pat worked with school districts throughout Colorado, serving as the Principal-in-Charge and/or Project Architect for over 100 educational facilities for over 20 Colorado School Districts.
Hibbard Building Renovation
This landmark building has been a Downtown Colorado Springs fixture for over 100 years, operating as a family-owned department store until closing in 1996. RTA looked at the building’s potential for loft housing and office space and, together with the Hibbard family, determined that office use would be the most economical and best fit for the space.
→ See the Hibbard Building Renovation project
RTA’s New Home
RTA moved from the office located at 602 South Tejon Street to the Hibbard Building located at 19 S. Tejon Street. RTA moved into the 5th floor originally. RTA has occupied office space on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th floors of the building. RTA has occupied the 3rd floor of the Hibbard building since October 2002 and remains in this space currently. We cannot imagine being in any other location than in the center of downtown Colorado Springs.
Perry Lewis Joins RTA
An RTA Principal for over two decades, Perry joined RTA in 2000. Perry led the planning and design of retail and multi-use sites throughout Colorado. His expertise was instrumental in developing RTA’s retail portfolio. He is well-known for his hand-drawn sketches that beautifully represent design concepts.
Crossing at Stonegate
Designed by RTA, the Crossing at Stonegate is a grocery-anchored neighborhood shopping center adjacent to a neighborhood athletic facility and park. Gabled rooftop forms and masonry accents create an architectural expression compatible with the nearby neighborhood.
Conover Office Building
The Conover Professional Building in downtown Colorado Springs was created to provide new offices for a series of law and insurance companies. The owner’s vision for this office building was to reflect the downtown vernacular of Colorado Springs with a historic feel. The Conover Building’s facade development was inspired by turn-of-the-century warehouse districts, especially the historic district of LODO in downtown Denver.
Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox
RTA conceptualized, designed, and provided professional services for this unique and ancient tradition of Christianity. The orthodox design honors an architectural tradition that traces itself back to the time of Christ. The temple accommodates an important and ancient Divine Liturgy.
→ See the Saints Constantine and Helen Orthodox project
"Thorncreek Crossing set the table for us being able to do large format shopping centers."
PERRY LEWIS
Thorncreek Crossing
RTA designed the Thorncreek Crossing retail development in Thorncreek, CO. The site, once home to a large agricultural reservoir known as "Ohio Lake," was filled with soil from a nearby development. The project not only preserved but also expanded the existing wetlands. The newly created water features serve as tangible reminders of the property's and the city's evolving landscape.
→ See the Thorncreek Crossing project
Brighton School District 27J Elementary Schools
RTA was commissioned to program and design a 61,500 sq. ft. prototype school (Thimmig K-8 School) for Brighton School District that could be operated either as a kindergarten through fifth grade (K-5) or a kindergarten through eighth grade (K-8) school. This prototype was then used to construct four new schools in the district.
A New Look
A new RTA logo is unveiled featuring an architectural motif including four pillars representing the four contemporary partners of RTA.
Penrose E Tower
Designed by RTA, the Penrose Hospital E Tower radically changed the look of Penrose Hospital and increased the campus by 185,840 sq. ft. The E Tower added 36 beds to the second-floor Critical Care Unit, 36 beds to the third-floor Cardiovascular Unit, and office space for doctors on the fourth and fifth floors, which dramatically improved patient access to physicians.
"This major ground-up hospital was the culmination of years of hard work and commitment to this important community partner and our medical portfolio. This successful project firmed our position as a major design competitor in all of Colorado."
RANDY THORNE
"This project showcased our best efforts in planning, architecture and sign graphics."
PERRY LEWIS
Glenwood Meadows
RTA designed the Glenwood Meadows retail development in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. The Glenwood Meadows shopping district is a community hub with Market Street at its heart.
This project represented the largest commercial real estate project in the history of Glenwood Springs, occupying over 85 acres and over 500,000 square feet of retail development. Masonry materials transom storefronts and a variety of awning and canopy types help create a shopping experience while maintaining a small-town character.
→ See the Glenwood Meadows Project
River Point at Sheridan
Located in Sheridan, Colorado, the River Point at Sheridan is an exciting, open-air shopping district that covers over 130 acres of development and 750,000 square feet of retail development. The project’s characteristic over-sized, round brick columns, with their illuminated caps, provide visual connectivity from one end of the site to the other while linking the site to the materials and heartbeat of earlier eras.
The project is partially located on top of a municipal landfill and won a top national honor for environmental restoration.
St. Thomas Moore Expansion
The expansion of St. Thomas Moore in Cañon City, Colorado added nineteen new patient rooms to augment an existing eighteen-private-room medical/surgical unit. The addition also provided a new emergency department, an eight-bed intensive care unit, an outpatient surgery suite with four state-of-the-art operatories, and centralized sterilization.
Hinkley High School
A joint venture project designed by RTA Architects and MOA Architecture, Hinkley High School was the first major High School addition and renovation project for RTA. Design began in 2004, with construction completed in 2007. The school was renovated and expanded to a large, existing, underperforming comprehensive high school and converted into four small learning community schools within the existing shell building. Additions link the two existing buildings into one continuous structure and expanded capacity of 1800 students.
Glenwood Springs High School
RTA began the design of the new Glenwood High School, which was situated on the site of the existing high school. This strategic project involved demolishing most of the existing structures, constructing 134,000 square feet of new facilities, and completely renovating the 30,000 square feet that was preserved.
St. Mary-Corwin Medical Center Expansion
The firm designed a major expansion that replaced a large portion of the hospital on the west end of the Saint Mary-Corwin Hospital campus in Pueblo, Colorado. The project included a new Cancer Center, new emergency department, main entry, intensive care unit, and imaging, and expanded surgical unit. Construction began in 2003 and was completed in 2005.
St. Francis Hospital
RTA began working at St. Francis Hospital in Colorado Springs by performing site evaluations, program planning, and assisting with site acquisition. In a culmination of years of planning and collaboration, the new over 465,000 square foot St. Francis Hospital design and construction was completed in 18 months in 2008. This was the start of a long history of work on the St. Francis campus that has since continued with numerous renovations and additions.
→ See the St. Francis Hospital project
RTA Celebrates its 30th Anniversary
In honor of our 30th anniversary as a firm, RTA introduced a new logo featuring purple instead of our signature red.
Eagle Ridge Academy
RTA designed the new Brighton Collegiate High School, now known as Eagle Ridge Academy. This charter school for the Brighton School District was designed to serve 400 students. RTA has continued our relationship with ERA and recently completed an administration and cafeteria expansion to this highly successful charter school.
Bear Creek High School
RTA and our joint-venture partner, MOA, began the design of the new Bear Creek High School for Jeffco Public Schools. The school creates a dynamic academic environment that focuses on exploration, collaboration, and the pursuit of knowledge in a unified campus setting.
University Village
This 85-acre commercial project was the first phase of an Urban Renewal District established by the City of Colorado Springs to revitalize a major north-south corridor adjacent to the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs Campus and establish the Architectural language for the Urban Renewal District. The buildings at University Village, Colorado, were designed to provide maximum tenant flexibility, create a unique architectural language for the development and becoming a catalyst for additional redevelopment along the North Nevada corridor.
→ See the University Village Colorado project
Vista Peak High School
Vista Peak Preparatory High School began as an inspiration to embark on a first-of-its-kind P-20 education system, where a student can begin their education as a preschooler and end with an associate degree all on one campus. Designed by RTA, Vista Peak Preparatory is a new 215,000-SF 9-12 high school that shares a campus with a pre-K through 8th grade school. This project was the first new, ground-up high school designed by RTA.
→ See the Vista Peak High School project
Fairview High School
In the first of numerous projects over more than 16 years with Boulder Valley School District, RTA designed the renovation of Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado. Originally built in the early 1970s, the school’s facilities needed significant improvements and upgrade to deliver 21st education in one of the highest performing high schools in the state. RTA was retained to work with a site-based team to master plan and design a renovation/expansion project and several subsequent renovations over a 12 year period of time.
→ See the Fairview High School project
Arapahoe Ridge High School
The Boulder Valley School District Arapahoe Campus is an alternative education program that integrates a traditional educational environment and occupational trades into a single learning environment. In 2008, RTA assisted with the implementation of the integrated program through the design of several building additions and renovations. This project was recognized with multiple design awards based on the innovative renovation of the existing building.
West Middle School
RTA worked with Cherry Creek Schools to update the existing West Middle School. The renovation created a secure entry, new science classrooms, and interior upgrades. Occupied during construction, the project was broken into five construction phases to minimize disruption to students and staff.
→ See the West Middle School Renovation project
Parker Adventist Hospital Renovation & Expansion
RTA designed the OR/OB expansion and bed wing addition for Parker Adventist Hospital in Parker, Colorado. Part of a strategic and comprehensive 2008 hospital-wide expansion and renovation program, this complex addition and remodel included 34,000 sq. ft. of new construction and 5,000 sq. ft. of renovation.
→ See the Parker Adventist Hospital Renovation & Expansion project
Las Animas Master Plan
This project was the first project in the state that received matching funds from the state and instigated the creation of the BEST (Building Excellent Schools Today) program. The matching funds were used to complete a renovation for the district to address the needs identified in the master plan.
Bear Creek Elementary School
In a continuation of our work with Boulder Valley School District, RTA designed the renovation of the District’s Bear Creek Elementary School. The new design created dedicated art, science and music classrooms, centralizing these spaces and creating a clear distinction from the primary instructional spaces. New additions to the building enhance daylighting and include a prominent main entry, gymnasium, library, and cafeteria. This project was recognized with multiple design awards based on the innovative renovation of the existing building.
→ See the Bear Creek Elementary School project
Cherry Creek Campus Middle School Renovation
Designed in 2009, the 180,000 sq. ft. renovation of Campus Middle School included mechanical systems, lighting upgrades, and new finish upgrades throughout. The remodel also included new layouts for administration, counseling, nurse, and library office areas.
Chapel El Tesoro De Los Angeles
The El Tesoro De Los Angeles retreat center in Woodland Park, Colorado is a private chapel designed by RTA. The unique mountain setting inspired our design team to match the native shape of the land with the liturgical vision of the church, its owner, and its benefactor. Through extensive exploration, RTA developed design elements that would artfully reflect the values of the community that is celebrated at the chapel today, as well as the legacy of the early church and region
→ See the Chapel El Tesoro De Los Angeles project
Penrose Hospital Emergency Department Renovation
The 13,300-square-foot renovation of the Penrose Hospital emergency department adopted a new patient treatment philosophy that centers more on fast-track treatment, designed to move people quickly through the emergency department to decrease wait time. They also switched from a centralized nurse station to a pod design, which cuts down on travel distance and noise throughout the department.
→ See the Penrose Emergency Department Renovation project
Ignacio School District Master Plan
The Ignacio School District master plan was created to address the short and long-term facility goals for the District. RTA worked closely with the District and the Ignacio community to generate consensus and support for the master plan and the selected option. The master plan resulted in a successful bond and BEST grant that provided funding to complete several projects, including a new middle school, a renovated elementary school, and the conversion of a combined junior/senior high school into a single, unified high school campus.
Holly PK-12
In March 2007, the town of Holly experienced an epic four-day blizzard followed by an F4 tornado that devastated the community. Following these events, the District retained RTA to complete a master plan to help identify a path forward following the destruction.
After an extensive master planning process, Colorado’s BEST program gave Holly the boost it needed to build a new school that would become a source of pride and a center for learning and personal interaction for the greater Holly community.
BVSD Mapleton
After having been closed for a decade, Boulder’s iconic Mapleton School required a new purpose. AFA and RTA sought to restore the vibrancy of the historic building and enliven it for its next 100 years of use by the community’s youngest learners while preserving its rich history. This required perseverance, cooperation, and the convergence of many players and multiple issues. The restored school delivers a highly energy-efficient envelope and mechanical system while preserving the historically significant building
→ See the Mapleton project
Craig Hospital
Craig Hospital is a world-renowned rehabilitation hospital specializing in patients with spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injuries. The team set out to resolve an extremely complex problem: how to build a new facility on top of and inside an operating rehabilitation hospital — without disrupting patients.
RTA, in collaboration with SmithGroupJJR, pulled in experts from all disciplines and broke the enormous project into 22 pieces. The planning process took a full year, which began with a week of full immersion at Craig by the architectural team.
→ See the Craig Hospital Renovation & Expansion project
Dave Magargal Returns
After working for the firm at its inception, Dave returned to RTA to direct the Construction Administration (CA) Department. As an RTA Principal and the leader of the CA department, his organizational talents and emphasis on quality control have been crucial to the team.
Doug Abernethy Promoted to Principal
After joining RTA in 2002 and serving as an Associate Principal for a decade, Doug became an RTA Principal in 2012. Focusing his career on education projects, Doug has been a leader of our education team.
Brian Calhoun Promoted to Principal
Brian first joined the RTA team as an Associate Principal in 2002 and became a Principal in 2012. As a leader of the education team, Brian brings a strong technical and organizational background to the team.
Glacier Ice Cream
RTA completed several projects in partnership with Glacier Ice Cream for their locations in the University Village, Lowry, and Bellview Square retail centers. Design for the Glacier Ice Cream in Cherry Creek began in 2012, and construction was completed in 2013.
→ See the Glacier Ice Cream project
Sisters Grove
The Sisters Grove Pavilion was created to provide a convenient one-stop outpatient setting in close proximity to the St. Francis Medical Center to benefit patients, physicians, and staff. RTA engaged in extensive user group meetings with the client, which resulted in a plan to design a series of treatment pods that would scale down the patient experience.
→ See the Sisters Grove Pavilion project
Tri-Lakes Community Health Pavilion
RTA teamed with Boldt Development Group and the YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region to transform patient care at the Tri-Lakes Health Pavilion into a full health and wellness practice. The Tri-Lakes Health Pavilion is not just a medical office building or a YMCA, but rather a new hybrid health and wellness model, redefining the way health and wellness lifestyle services are integrated with the community.
→ See the Tri-Lakes Community Health Pavillion project
Moffat PK-12
The new Moffat PK-12 school, located in the San Luis Valley, utilizes passive solar strategies to take advantage of the area's harsh environment. RTA designed the school to foster the creation of age-specific “learning communities.” These communities utilize shared facilities to promote and separate age-appropriate “academic neighborhoods,” grade transitions, and internal zoning, all of which are critical in a PK-12 model. This project was recognized with several regional design awards in 2015 and 2016.
→ See the Moffat PK-12 School project
Denver Health Southwest Family Health Center
Designed by RTA in 2014, the new Southwest Family Health Center is part of the essential network of Community Health Centers throughout the city. These centers function as primary care clinics that provide services for patients of all ages. This clinic not only provides necessary expanded services to the southwest part of the Denver metro area but has helped instill a renewed sense of pride in the surrounding multi-cultural community.
→ See the Denver Health Southwest Family Health Center project
Littleton High School
At Littleton High School, RTA collaborated with the school to define and prioritize the school's needs. Through this process, the scope was changed from a small gymnasium addition to a weight and training room addition, and a reorganization of the wrestling room. The result was a high-performance center that accommodates weight training and agility in a high-visibility location that is a showcase for LHS athletics.
→ See the Littleton High School Renovation project
Ouray Renovation
The Ouray PK-12 project was a two-phase renovation to the existing facility originally constructed in 1936. The renovated school features innovative 21st-century learning spaces to support modern curriculum delivery and an emphasis on safety for all students and staff.
→ See the Ouray PK-12 Renovation project
Kevin Gould Promoted to Principal
Since joining RTA in 2008, Kevin focused on healthcare projects, serving as the project manager on numerous medical projects area for clients including Centura Health and Denver Health and Hospital Authority.
South Nevada Urban Renewal Project
Known as Creekwalk, this project began in 2015 and was completed in 2023.
As part of the urban renewal along South Nevada, RTA was retained to design a specialty shopping center that connects the intersections of Cascade Avenue, Cheyenne Road, Nevada Avenue, and Ramona Avenue. The Creekwalk shopping center addresses the community's needs and responds to the local context.
→ See the Creekwalk project
Christy Sports at Park Meadows
Since 1958 Christy Sports has been a company of skiers and riders providing equipment and knowledge across their 40+ locations in the Rocky Mountains. As the largest specialty ski and snowboard retailer and snow sport specialist in the Rocky Mountain Region, Christy Sports was in need of interior renovations in several of their locations. RTA has completed renovations for seven Christy Sports stores.
→ See the Christy Sports project
CSDB Jones and Palmer Hall
Following the completion of a master plan in 2014, RTA was retained by the Colorado Springs School for the Deaf and Blind to design the renovation of the historic Jones and Palmer Halls. The historic campus of Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind (CSDB) serves more than 500 students, and approximately 50 percent of those students are residential. CSDB focuses on teaching productive life skills and strengths to pupils of many different needs.
→ See the Palmer Hall Renovation, The Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind project
SFMC NICU/ED Expansion
The original 450,000-square-foot St. Francis Medical Center (SFMC) was completed in 2008. Due to unprecedented growth in northeast Colorado Springs, SFMC undertook an expansion to the Emergency Department (ED), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), and operating rooms. The RTA-designed expansion improved the hospital’s ability to meet the needs of the ever-growing community. This project was recognized with several regional awards in 2019.
→ See the St. Francis Hospital NICU/ED/OR Expansion project
Springs Rescue Mission
Phase 1
After the successful completion of the Springs Rescue Mission (SRM) master plan, RTA was retained in 2015 to re-purpose the existing site into a more effective and efficient campus. The new Shelter serves 270-300 guests daily, effectively tripling the amount of sleeping spaces previously available.
→ See the Springs Rescue Mission Renovation & Expansion project
Douglass Elementary School
In November 2014, Boulder Valley School District taxpayers passed the largest bond in Colorado history at the time. The District retained RTA as the design architect to bring their goals to life by designing a new Douglass Elementary School. The school was designed to meet the District’s Sustainability Management System and Sustainable Energy Plan and is net-zero energy capable.
→ See the Douglass Elementary School project
Red River Brewing Company
Red River, New Mexico is a small town and a major destination for tourists, but the town was lacking a communal spot for locals and tourists to interact year-round. To fill this need, Red River Brewing Company was designed to be a pet and family-friendly social hub where tourists and locals can gather and engage in lively activities or partake in the in-house crafted beers. RTA started work on the design for this project in 2016, and construction was completed in 2018.
→ See the Red River Brewing Company project
World Compass
Charter School
World Compass Academy is a charter school in the Douglas County School District. Originally a PK-6 school, RTA and design-build partner Nunn Construction were retained to add a new facility to the school to enable them to include middle school grades 7-8, allowing the school enrollment to expand from 560 students to 960 students.
→ See the World Compass Academy Addition project
RTA Office Renovation
The office was updated and created more flexible team space within the existing open layout which reflects RTA’s collaborative culture. The second phase of the renovation updated the large conference room, known as the “War Room”, and the interiors library, which previously shared space.
San Luis Valley Health Oncology & Infusion
The San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center (SLVRMC) has been serving communities around the San Luis Valley for more than 90 years. To accommodate the growing needs of patients, SLVRMC retained RTA to design a new 1,600 SF Oncology and Infusion Center addition and a 2,550 SF interior tenant improvement to the existing infusion program area. The addition and renovation provide expanded patient-centered services that enhance the patient experience.
→ See the San Luis Valley Regional Medical Center Oncology & Infusion project
The MILL
Peyton and Widefield School Districts partnered to create a nationally recognized woods manufacturing program that provides advanced manufacturing-trade training to high school students. To accommodate these cutting-edge programs, RTA worked closely with Peyton and Widefield School Districts to fully renovate an existing warehouse building to incorporate state-of-the-art classrooms, computer/CNC programming spaces, and specialized learning spaces.
→ See the The MILL National Training Center project
Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado (RMHC SC) serves families of critically ill children from across the US. To meet the rapid growth of the Colorado Springs community, RMHC SC acquired land within the campus of the new Children’s Hospital to expand their ability to serve families and keep families as close as possible during their time of healing. RTA was retained to design their new House that tripled the guest room capacity.
→ See the Southern Colorado Ronald McDonald House project
Gateway High School Renovation
Completed in 2017, Gateway High School underwent renovations, finishes renewal, and significant mechanical modernization as a part of a multi-phase project with Aurora Public Schools. RTA worked closely with the Owner and the GC to identify, strategize, and design the scope of work so that it could be completed in a condensed summer time frame without disruption to the students and staff.
Chinook Trail Middle School
To accommodate the needs of the growing northern Colorado Springs community, Academy District 20 awarded the design of the new Chinook Trail Middle School to RTA, in conjunction with MOA Architecture as a joint venture, and Bryan Construction. Designed to the WELL Building Standard, the school features a Curiosity Center, high-performance classrooms, biophilic design, and robust technology.
→ See the Chinook Trail Middle School project
Adaptive Sports
After more than 30 years of helping individuals with disabilities explore, enjoy, and conquer outdoor activities, the Adaptive Sports Center (ASC) outgrew their facilities and needed additional space to continue to expand their outdoor programs. RTA designed the new state-of-the-art Kelsey Wright building to meet the goals and vision of ASC.
→ See the Adaptive Sports Center's Kelsey Wright Building project
UCCS William J. Hybl Sports Medicine & Performance Center
RTA teamed with HOK and JE Dunn to develop a program plan and design for the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS) William J. Hybl Sports Medicine and Performance Center. Part of the City for Champions project, the facility integrates medical care, research, performance, instruction, and patient education into a 104,634 SF state-of-the-art center that combines academic instruction and clinical practice in a unique multidisciplinary environment.
→ See the UCCS Hybl Center project
Cañon City Middle School & Washington Elementary School
In 2018, the Canon City School District hired RTA to design a new Washington Elementary School and a renovation of the historic Cañon City Middle School. Both schools feature 21st-century learning environments with flexible collaboration spaces for break-out sessions and small groups.environment.
→ See the Cañon City Middle School Renovation & Addition project
Parker Peak Medical Office Building
The new Peak Medical Office Building, a four-story medical office building on the Parker Adventist Hospital campus. The Peak MOB is a state-of-the-art facility that reflects RTA’s commitment to patient-focused design and collaboration.
→ See the Peak Medical Office Building project
Lake City Community School
After completing the conceptual design in support of a Master Plan, RTA assisted the District with its successful BEST Grant application and designed the subsequent renovation. The renovation includes a new gymnasium, stage/music room, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) classroom, a preschool classroom, and a commercial kitchen. Colors and natural materials honor the breathtaking beauty of Hinsdale County and reflect the historic neighborhood.
→ See the Lake City Community School Addition and Renovation project
Paul Reu Promoted to Principal
Paul joined RTA in 2008 and is an integral part of the healthcare team. He brings a depth of experience and technical knowledge to every project he works on. Paul’s passion and focus is healthcare architecture where he can influence and create healing environments that represent the needs of the patient, family, and staff.
Newton Middle School
As part of the 2018 Bond Program, Littleton Public Schools (LPS) identified the need to build a new middle school facility on the current Newton Middle School site. The new school replaces the original deficient structure with an innovative school that encourages creativity and innovation. The unique design includes athletic spaces rarely seen in a middle school, flexible learning environments, and connections to the outdoors.
→ See the Newton Middle School project
St. Francis Hospital IMCU/CCU Expansion
Due to the continued rapid growth of the Colorado Springs community, St. Francis Hospital again expanded their facility to meet the needs of the rising population. In anticipation of this growth, the RTA-designed 2019 Tower Expansion was planned to allow two additional patient floors to be constructed above the fourth-floor interstitial mechanical floor. The careful planning allowed the additional fifth and sixth floors to be constructed without disruption to patient care areas on the floors below.
→ See the St. Francis Hospital IMCU-CCU Expansion project
PCHC East Side Clinic
After completing a master plan for the Pueblo Community Health Center (PCHC), RTA was retained to design a new community health center in Pueblo. This new clinic is the first verified Zero Energy Building of its kind in the US, according to New Buildings Institute. The clinic provides much-needed health care services, conveniently located in one building, to serve many PCHC patients on the city’s East Side.
→ See the Pueblo Community Health Center's East Side Clinic project
Woodland Elementary School
RTA was retained by Cherry Creek Schools to design a new elementary school to alleviate overcrowding at nearby elementary schools, accommodate future growth, and further the District’s mission. Completed in 2022, the new Woodland Elementary School is a departure from Cherry Creek Schools’ previous prototype elementary school design to better align with the educational vision and goals of the District. The floor plan creates dynamic, flexible, and progressive learning environments that support the District’s curriculum.
→ See the Woodland Elementary School project
Peak Vista Downtown
For almost 50 years, Peak Vista Community Health Centers has served Colorado Springs, eastern Colorado, and the Pikes Peak region, providing health care for those who face barriers to healthcare. Peak Vista Community Health Centers retained RTA Architects to design a new full-service clinic at South Tejon and Las Vegas Streets in downtown Colorado Springs, expanding their whole-person, family health center model to the downtown area.
→ See the Peak Vista Community Health Center Downtown project
Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is completed
Completed in 2021, the new Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center is one of RTA’s most prominent projects. RTA partnered with GWWO to design a new visitor center that provides visitors with a seamless, immersive experience. Pikes Peak is an American icon, and the summit is a National Historic Landmark that holds a special place in America’s heart. RTA and GWWO guided the design process using extensive public input and deep collaboration among all stakeholders, including the 500,000 local citizens who see Pikes Peak as their mountain.
→ See the Pikes Peak Summit Visitors Center project
Fowler Jr./Sr. High School
In 2019, the Fowler School District Board of Education entrusted RTA with the task of completing a Master Plan to address the District's current and future facility needs. Following the completion of the master plan, RTA was retained to design a new Jr./Sr. High School addition located on the site of the existing elementary school. The addition creates a safe, unified campus that honors the community traditions and the school’s excellent athletics and academics.
→ See the Fowler Jr./Sr. High School Addition project
Mike Riggs Becomes an Associate Principal
Mike joined RTA Architects in 2002, soon after graduating from Ball State University. His knowledge of sustainable design, diligence, and expertise helped RTA become a leader in educational design. In addition to his work with the education team, one of Mike’s most notable projects was his work as the Project Architect for the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center.
Ken Gregg Promoted to Principal
Ken joined the firm in 2005 and became one of the leaders of RTA’s K-12 education practice. He excels at leading project teams and has received numerous design awards for his work.
Colorado Springs Senior Center
The Senior Center is an innovative partnership between the City of Colorado Springs and the YMCA that provides a space for adults 55 and up to stay active and form connections. Because the facility, originally built in 1974, was outdated and needed considerable maintenance, the City of Colorado Springs retained RTA to design a new Senior Center. The new, larger building will allow the Senior Center to expand programs and serve more patrons.
→ See the Colorado Springs Senior Center project
Strasburg School District Projects
RTA completed a master plan for the Strasburg School District and identified needs at both the Elementary School and High School. After completing the master plan, RTA led a collaborative design process to renovate the High School and Elementary School. RTA’s work with the District continued over several years with additional renovations to the High School.
→ See the Strasburg Elementary School Addition and Renovation project
AdAmAn Alley
AdAmAn Alley, located adjacent to RTA’s office, was previously dark, with narrow spaces relegated to delivery trucks and trash bins. The first activated alley in downtown Colorado Springs, AdAmAn Alley, was transformed. The alley celebrates the AdAmAn Club’s history and their tradition of summiting Pikes Peak to set off fireworks each New Year’s Eve with murals, lighting, an arch, and other artistic details.
This project was recognized for an international design award by the International Downtown Association.
→ See the AdAmAn Alley Activation project
Nettie S. Freed K-8 Expeditionary School, Sunset Elementary & Franklin School of Innovation
After being awarded two Colorado Department of Education BEST Grants and a 2019 Bond, Pueblo School District 60 retained the joint venture of RTA and MOA to design three schools to replace the aging K-8 and two existing elementary schools: The Sunset Park Elementary School and the Franklin School of Innovation. The new schools are beloved by staff and students alike.
→ See the Nettie S. Freed K-8 Expeditionary School project
Ridgway Elementary School
The Ridgway School District (RSD) first retained RTA in 2019 to complete a Facilities Master Plan to define current and future facility needs. The most significant needs were found in the Elementary School. After the master plan, RTA assisted RSD with a successful BEST Grant to fund the necessary renovation. Completed in 2023, the Ridgway Elementary renovation transformed the 1972 portion of Ridgway Elementary School to support the educational ideals of the District, with flexible learning spaces and connections to the outdoors.
→ See the Ridgway Elementary School Renovations project
USAFA Wecker Hall
RTA designed a new administration building for the US Air Force Academy Foundation and Association of Graduates. The building is being designed to achieve zero energy and will be the first zero energy building at the Academy and possibly first at any US Air Force base. Located just west of Doolittle Hall, Wecker Hall is poised to foster a dynamic and collaborative work and meeting space for both organizations. The new Yost Plaza unifies the expanded Doolittle Campus by linking the two buildings with the Heritage Trail, the iconic Pegasus statue, and a new class ring sculpture
→ See the Wecker Hall project
Valley-Wide Health & Wellness Center
Valley-Wide Health Systems, Inc. is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and physical therapy services to rural southern Colorado.
After acquiring an abandoned historic courthouse in Alamosa, Valley-Wide Health retained RTA to transform the Spanish Mission style building into an integrated health center that co-locates their services in one building, improving their ability to serve patients.
→ See the Valley-Wide Health & Wellness Center project
Step Springs
After experiencing over 40 years of success at their Denver location (Step Denver, formally Step 13), Step is expanding their capabilities to serve the Colorado Springs area with a new location on Northpark Drive. Step retained RTA to transform an existing building into the new Step Springs headquarters.
→ See the Step Springs project
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