The Santa Fe Opera project is a completely renovated open air outdoor facility consisting of a 2,166 seat theater; a 1,046 square feet box office; a 2,280 square feet retail shop, and 25,000 square feet of plaza paving.  The 10-month project started with demolition of the existing theater leaving only the stage and the four star shaped columns standing.

The most unique feature of the project is the enormous, and very complex, steel roof structure.  The roof rod tensioning system and huge mast assemblies support the roof structure and balcony steel, with the roof connected in tension, and resting on the four existing star columns.

The opera seating is a concrete riser on grade and the balcony seating is a pre-cast riser set on structural steel.  The architectural finish is the traditional New Mexican stucco.  Special systems that were added include a state-of-the-art theatrical lighting system running throughout 750 lineal feet of catwalk erected above the stage, and computerized dimming capabilities both within the theater and throughout the plaza grounds.

An all-new audio-visual system including new equipment and rough-in capabilities for future monitors and electronic Libretto system (subtitling for foreign languages) for each patron is to be installed for the 1999 season.

Other added features to the theater were an orchestra reflecting pool for both audio and visual enhancing, wind-banners to filtrate and accommodate the orchestra conductor, a falling water-wall and a bronze bust statue at the north plaza of Opera co-founder  “Igor Stravinsky”.

The entry plaza and south plaza terrace were constructed of redwood, including all gates, posts and trellis work.  The freestanding redwood columns outlining the plazas are trimmed with copper and custom Latigo light fixtures.

The box office and opera shop are also traditional New Mexican stucco, with custom Tortuga windows and shiplap doors.  The new box office facility includes year round ticket sales and a pressroom.  The retail shop is open only during the opera season.