Waterfront park amphitheater design finalized

BY PRU SOWERS

KONK LIFE STAFF WRITER

 

Hoping to snag a piece of the live music concert pie in Key West, city commissioners gave the final go-ahead to a new open-air amphitheater to be built in the Truman Waterfront Park.

Concerns about noise pollution for nearby residents, including those in next-door Truman Annex, were alleviated by design architect Scott Bakos, a partner with the firm of Bermello Ajamil & Partners Inc. While the new amphitheater can seat up to 3,500 people, a 10-foot high berm will face the stage. In addition to providing lawn seating, it will absorb sound. And the stage itself was positioned away from neighboring homes and more towards the water, Bakos said.

“We feel that this position – and we had a stage consultant as part of our team study that – will have the least impact on the residential areas around the amphitheater itself,” he told commissioners.

“I can’t wait. I’m dying for it to be done,” said an enthusiastic Commissioner Billy Wardlow.

The $4 million facility is designed to accommodate both large concerts and small presentations by area schools and other local groups. Half of the cost will come from a grant from the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Construction should begin this January or February.

“Our target is to be done by August 2017,” said City Engineer Jim Bouquet.

The open-air covered stage will measure 60 x 40 feet. There will be room for 500 portable chairs in front of the stage. There will be a paved unloading area, parking across the street in a grassy area and space for vendor and ticket tents. The amphitheater will be located next to the Florida Keys Eco-Discovery Center on Quay Road inside of the Truman Waterfront Park, which is currently under construction.

“We’ve worked very, very hard with all of the stakeholders to be able to develop a facility that accommodates as much opportunity for a variety of different venues,” Bakos said. “It’s been a labor of love for all of us.”

[livemarket market_name="KONK Life LiveMarket" limit=3 category=“” show_signup=0 show_more=0]