The Astro

The Astro event venue stands as a beacon of community vision, anchoring the new, mile-long mixed used city center in La Vista, Nebraska. It was manifested out of the community wish and planning to create a downtown for the city, establish individuality, improve quality of life, and stimulate economic growth. Adjacent to a public plaza, extensive windows invite passersby to peek inside the lobby, drawing people in with the promise of something extraordinary. Thoughtful use of finish materials allow the project cost effective solutions while maintaining an electric “wow” factor to compete against other venues in the region. In the lobby, the eye-catching, red angulating ceiling clouds amplify the pre-show excitement as visitors enter. Additionally, vertical LED lights are staggered between Douglas fir planks of varying depths, breathing life and adding electric energy to the lobby and venue hall. Deco floor tiles serve as intuitive wayfinding cues, guiding guests to key locations like the bars. Acoustical concrete masonry units contribute tactile vibrancy and equip control of the sound system and audience’s roar. The scale of The Astro blends into the downtown landscape, offering a sense of grandeur without overpowering the small-town La Vista charm. This design approach allows visitors to walk into the performance hall on the balcony level of the building, like coming into a modern stadium on the concourse level. Walking along the balcony level, visitors get a thrilling first-look of the stage. The perspective feels intimate in the two-level, 53,000 square foot building. The thoughtful design ensures every show, large or small, is felt deeply, filling guests with a sense of awe and anticipation for what is to come. The methodical space planning of The Astro ensures it meets the diverse needs of its community. It is suited to accommodate indoor and outdoor music and non-music performances, conferences, corporate events, celebrations, and intimate gatherings. This versatility ensures year-round use, generating multiple streams of income and strengthening relationships with its community. The same back-of-house areas are utilized for indoor and outdoor performances. In the two-level auditorium, bars are sprinkled throughout, so guests can enjoy a refreshment without ever missing a moment of the show. An array of seating options exist—such as fixed seating, removable seating, standing only, and intimate high-top tables and stools. Additionally, a separate VIP area allows visitors prime vantage points, dedicated bar service, and lounge areas to mingle during the shows or intermission. Having choices and flexibility ensures the venue can accommodate a wide range of events, creating memorable experiences, no matter the occasion.