Cydney Payton, who led a passionate charge to construct Denver's first stand-alone museum devoted to contemporary art, has announced her resignation from MCA Denver in late October, the building's first anniversary.

"This is the right time for me," said the museum's executive director and chief curator on Tuesday. "It's why I took this job - to build a permanent home for contemporary art in Denver."

Payton was named in 2001 to head the Museum of Contemporary Art, then housed in a former fish market in Sakura Square. Her goal: Build a stand-alone structure to respond to the community's growing interest in cutting-edge, high-quality art.

"We all wanted a building," said longtime Colorado artist Dale Chisman, one of MCA's founders. "But she was the one who was able to achieve it. We had the vision, but she made it happen. Cydney knew from the start that if (the museum) didn't have its own building, it wouldn't go anywhere."

Chisman recommended Payton for the executive directorship, based on his friendship with her and her work as director of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art.

While Chisman said he was "totally surprised" at Payton's decision, retired board chairman Karl Kister was not.

"I guess it became part of the expectation after the project was completed and the museum was on its way. Really, it's a perfect time (for a leadership change)."

Despite the challenges of raising funds for the $16.5 million project, Payton seemed unfazed by the pressures, Kister observed. "It never came across as a burden for her. All along, it was about the passion she had - for the art and the artists. And for educating the community. She led by example; she was setting us up for success."

After a lengthy search, noted British architect David Adjaye was chosen to design the 27,000- square-foot building, which opened to rave reviews in October. Museum officials announced that attendance so far has reached 34,500, putting it on target to surpass its first-year goal of 50,000 visitors.

Before working at the Boulder museum, Payton managed galleries in Denver on her own and with Robin Rule.

Soon after coming aboard at MCA, Payton sought out supporters for a new building. One was Mark Falcone, who donated the land, valued at $1.5 million, and who now serves as board president. "I knew that she wasn't going to fail," he said.

In recent months there had been succession-planning sessions. "We feel comfortable with (Payton's departure). The community will be forever indebted to her," said Falcone, who added the museum would conduct an international search for a successor.

Falcone noted that Payton's profile has grown with MCA Denver's success. "Her kite is going to keep sailing," he predicted.

Payton holds no thoughts about her next career move, saying she's happily living in the moment. And despite that distinctive Delgany Street building, she thinks she will be remembered for more than architecture.

"My legacy is my relationship with the community of Denver."

Cydney Payton and MCA Denver

* The Museum of Contemporary Art, founded in 1996, opened its first museum at Sakura Square in 1998.

* Payton was named executive director-chief curator in January 2001, after nine years as director of the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art. The Denver museum's annual budget was $360,000.

* Payton's MCA tenure has seen 44 exhibitions with some 400 artists.

* MCA Denver's new 27,000-square-foot home, designed by British architect David Adjaye, opened Oct. 28 at 1485 Delgany St. The annual budget is now $2.8 million.