In 1992 Zehren and Associates was selected by the Town of Vail, along with Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, and Pierce, Segerberg and Spaeh Architects, to design the Vail Performing Arts and Conference Center. The facility was designed for the site adjacent to the Dobson Ice Arena and included a state-of-the-art theater with 950 seats and a major conference center to accommodate up to 1000 guests in its grand ballroom.

The overall facility of 100,000 square feet was intended to be one of Vail’s most important public buildings, helping to broaden the cultural, educational and recreational opportunities for residents and resort guests. It included indoor and outdoor terraces opening to Vail Mountain and reflecting the architectural heritage of the community.  The design evolved through creative response to focus groups and community input.