Colorado Christian University’s Armstrong Center Receives ENR Mountain States “Award of Merit” for Higher Education & Research
Colorado Christian University (CCU) is pleased to announce that the Armstrong Center, the University’s newest academic, arts, and worship facility, has been honored with the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Mountain States Award of Merit in the Higher Education & Research category. ENR is the construction industry’s leading publication, and its annual Best Projects program recognizes outstanding achievements in design, construction, safety, and innovation across Colorado, Wyoming, and the broader Mountain States region.Completed in partnership with Saunders Construction and Davis Partnership Architects, the Armstrong Center was selected for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design solutions, and complex technical execution — including world-class acoustical engineering, structural integration, and a custom stone façade crafted to reflect CCU’s architectural identity.
“The Armstrong Center represents far more than an architectural achievement for Colorado Christian University — it embodies our mission to develop the next generation of Christ-centered leaders,” said Eric Hogue, president of CCU. “This recognition from ENR affirms the excellence poured into every detail of the facility and celebrates the ways this building will shape worship, learning, and the fine arts for decades to come.”
The Armstrong Center integrates a state-of-the-art chapel, an acoustically refined auditorium for performance, new facilities for the School of Music, expansive rehearsal and practice spaces, a professional live-recording studio, and a modern library that enhances research, study, and collaboration.
ENR’s judging panel cited several key factors in the project’s recognition, including:
Exceptional Collaboration: The project team overcame an eight-month legal delay, workforce constraints, and changes in key personnel through what ENR praised as “unusually strong unity and problem-solving.”
Technical Innovation: Acoustically isolated performance spaces, multi-layered ceiling systems, and four integrated structural systems were engineered to meet high-performance musical and worship standards.
Craftsmanship & Quality: The building’s hand-laid stone façade—completed through a coordinated partnership of three masonry teams and bi-weekly inspections by the Rocky Mountain Masonry Institute — earned acclaim.
Advanced Safety Planning: With more than 220,000 work hours logged, the project achieved an exceptional safety record through proactive planning with West Metro Fire, CCU security coordination, and campus-specific delivery protocols.
“Since its inception in 2017, the Armstrong Center was envisioned to be the iconic centerpiece of CCU’s architecture. Upon completion, the Armstrong Center has completely transformed our Lakewood campus,” shared Shannon Dreyfuss, vice president of campus development and operations. “We are thrilled that the construction industry and ENR recognize the beauty and unique quality of this project and honored to partner with Saunders Construction and the Davis Partnership design team.”
The ENR Mountain States Award of Merit places the Armstrong Center among the region’s most notable construction achievements of the year. A commemorative plaque will be displayed inside the facility after the awards ceremony on December 4, 2025.