When the Century Aurora 16 theater reopens to the public Jan. 17, gone will be its familiar purple hue that adorned the building that night this summer when a gunman walked into a sold-out theater and began shooting.

After several months of renovation work — both interior and exterior — Cinemark chief executive Tim Warner penned a letter to Aurora Mayor Steve Hogan on Wednesday, saying the theater will be ready to open its doors next month with a special event for the Aurora community.

Cinemark did not provide any further details Wednesday, though it did announce Hogan and Gov. John Hickenlooper are expected to attend.

“Our community suffered a serious tragedy this past summer, one that will always be remembered,” said Hogan in a statement.

Moreover, he stressed the city’s resilience and ability to come together in the wake of the July 20 mass shooting that left 12 dead and at least 58 others injured.

Warner said in the letter that victims and their families will be able to visit the theater Jan. 15-16, prior to the public reopening.

In August, the city conducted a survey that found the majority of residents wanted to see the theater reopen. Shortly thereafter, renovations began, which included converting Theater 9 — where the shooting occurred — into an XD theater with a wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor screen.

Greg Medek, whose 23-year-old daughter, Micayla, was killed in the theater shooting, said he will not be in attendance at next month’s reopening.

“I already go out of my way to avoid driving past that place,” he said. “I don’t think I’ll ever go to the movies again, and I just don’t see how people can go in that place.”

Hickenlooper issued a statement saying it’s clear that Cinemark worked closely with Aurora to do what’s best for the community.

“We’ve heard from many people who feel the theater reopening is a necessary part of recovery,” said Hickenlooper.

Warner’s letter also notes that from Jan. 18 to 20, free admission to the movies will be offered to the public.

Hogan Wednesday called the theater “a valued part of our community.”

“And I know many welcome it reopening,” he said.

Kurtis Lee: 303-954-1655, klee@denverpost.com or twitter.com/kurtisalee