How DRONEWASH+ Safely Restored the Denver Performing Arts Complex Using Drone Technology
Client: Denver Performing Arts Complex
Venue: Buell Theatre
Location: 1350 Curtis Street, Denver, CO 80202
Areas Cleaned: Glass Facade & Decorative Metal Beams
Challenge: Decades of soot, bird activity, and fragile walkways
Solution: Hot Water High-Pressure Drone Cleaning
Result: Pristine restoration with zero impact on infrastructure
By The Numbers
20 yrs.
Dirt Buildup
Removed decades of exhaust soot trapped by the overhead skylight.
≤ 55 lb
Applied Weight
Light weight applied to the delicate stone walkways, protecting the underground snow-melt system.
70 ft
Reach Capability
Successfully cleaned elevated areas impacted by bird droppings at 70 feet height.
~30%
Less Expensive
Outperformed higher-priced competitors by leveraging drone tech and a proven local track record.
The Challenge
The Denver Performing Arts Complex (DPAC) is a cultural cornerstone of the city, but its unique architecture presented a massive maintenance hurdle. Because of the overhead skylight and proximity to high-traffic roadways, the building’s glass and decorative metal beams had become a "trap" for decades of vehicle exhaust and soot. This was compounded by heavy bird activity in the area, leaving significant deposits of droppings across the metal structure.
The primary obstacle, however, was the ground itself. The complex features delicate stone walkways with an integrated snow-melt system located just beneath the surface. Using traditional heavy machinery, such as boom lifts or cranes, was ruled out immediately due to the extreme risk of crushing the heating elements and cracking the expensive stonework. The City needed a solution that could reach high elevations without ever touching the ground.
The Solution
DRONEWASH+ was selected through a competitive bidding process, standing out not only for its cost-effectiveness but for its specialized experience with high-profile Denver landmarks. Having successfully restored the Old Stapleton Traffic Control Tower (FLYTECO) and the Denver Coliseum, the team had already proven they could handle the technical nuances of complex municipal structures.
To tackle the stubborn, "baked-on" soot and bird droppings, DRONEWASH+ deployed a hot water, high-pressure cleaning solution delivered via drone. This innovative approach allowed the team to break down organic waste and industrial oils far more effectively than cold water alone. The maneuverability of the drones allowed pilots to fly behind and between the decorative metal beams, hitting the glass at precise angles that traditional window washing crews simply could not reach.
The Results
The project resulted in a total transformation of the building facade. By utilizing drone technology, the team was able to leave the glass and metal in pristine, brand-new condition while staying strictly within the project’s budget.
Most importantly, the structural integrity of the facility remained uncompromised. Because the drones operate entirely from the air, the fragile stone walkways and the snow-melt system below remained completely untouched, avoiding what could have been millions of dollars in potential repair costs. The DPAC now stands as a clean, welcoming gateway for Denver’s arts community, restored safely and efficiently.
Before & After Photos: DPAC Drone Cleaning
A detailed close-up of the vertical white decorative metal beams and glass curtain walls at the Denver Performing Arts Complex.
Before and after comparison of a window ledge at DPAC showing the removal of heavy grime, with the delicate stone walkway visible below.
Split screen showing a close-up of thick bird droppings on glass (left) and the crystal-clear results after a hot water drone wash (right).
Sparkling clean windows at Empower Field at Mile High after professional drone window cleaning, shown from street-level view.
Close-up before and after of white horizontal metal beams at the Denver Performing Arts Complex, restored to a brand-new appearance.
Client Feedback
"I was responsible for hiring and overseeing the first drone cleaning project ever performed at the Denver Performing Arts Complex. DRONEWASH+ exceeded every expectation.
We had doubts but Jay and his team proved themselves quickly and removed years and years of dust, dirt, soot, and buildup from our metal beams and left the windows absolutely spotless. They cleaned baked on bird droppings from both the glass and the steel beams.
The entire process was fast and far exceeded our expectations. As the person responsible for evaluating cleaning solutions for the City complex, DRONEWASH+ delivered outstanding results."
— Todd Medley
Facility Superintendent, Denver Performing Arts Complex
"Drone Wash is such a unique and wonderful drone cleaning company. They did a drone window cleaning service at my work, Denvers Performing Arts Complex. The windows came out terrific and the owner was very kind and professional. They were sure to take every safety precaution into accountability and are paving the way with drone cleaning services in the mile high city. This is an innovation that I don't see going anywhere but up in the near future. Thank you for your hard work in keeping the theaters looking beautifully presentable for our patrons and the city of Denver. Keep flying high and shining bright. Can't wait to see Drone Wash cleaning service more throughout Colorado."
— Jordan Gonzales
Custodial, Denver Performing Arts Complex
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