Construction progresses on Alabaster’s new amphitheater

By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

ALABASTER – The city of Alabaster recently saw several steel beams delivered and installed at the new amphitheater next to city hall which will be the future central venue for the city’s creative arts, Fall Fest and the annual Christmas Tower Lighting.

The beams were delivered and installed at the amphitheater on Wednesday, July 10 as the project continues to move closer to completion with the goal of opening in time for the city’s annual Christmas festivities.

“The contractor, Clements Dean, is making incredible progress on the amphitheater and Senior Center expansion projects,” Alabaster Public Relations Manager Neal Wagner said. “Over the last several days, they’ve installed large steel beams and supports for the amphitheater’s roof, and the shape of the structure is really starting to take shape.”

The new amphitheater is planned to feature a state-of-the-art sound system, a performing stage, a video board as well as loading and unloading areas for bands and storage.

“We are looking forward to opening this venue for the community for creative arts use,” said Jamie Cole, city council member in Alabaster’s Ward 5. “Residents should think about this as similar to the stage at Railroad Park in Birmingham. It’s a place that the community can use but that will also host some larger events, and play a part in some that already exist, such as Fall Festival, our Christmas festivities and Alabaster Jubilee. That’s the intention.”

Cole confirmed that, while the venue will be host to many of the city’s annual events, Alabaster CityFest will remain on the grounds of Thompson High School.

Cole also shared that versatility is an important aspect of the venue which provides an opportunity to bring in seating while also leaving space open for the option of residents’ utilizing lawn chairs and blankets. New hardscape around the stage makes both configurations possible.

“We are already speaking with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra about doing similar events as they do at Railroad Park,” Cole said. “Our existing events will benefit from this as well, but we want to see community groups, school groups, church groups, artists of all kinds use this place to showcase talent and add to the arts opportunities in our city.”

The amphitheater is part of the city’s newly designated Siluria Mill District which covers down to the corner of Highway 119, Thompson Road and around Larry Simmons Stadium, Peanut Davenport Field and Warrior Park. Connecting these major amenities allows the city to develop a more centralized venue that is easily accessible.

The city has expanded paved parking around the Siluria Mill District as well to help with meeting demand for attendees. The city may also consider employing shuttles for future events as it did with the 2024 edition of Alabaster CityFest.

“Think of parking in one place and having access to those stadiums, the amphitheater, the new rec center, the new library and even new retail and restaurants that are in the works,” Cole said. “All of that will be walkable, even connected by Buck Creek trail on the back side.”

Cole said that, when the steel was installed, it started to show the real scope of the project and how it’s large size still fits into the landscape and the venue’s intended use.

“It’s just important to remember that we are creating something that’s right for our community and the larger plan for a new city center, not to compete with existing facilities elsewhere,” Cole said.

The new amphitheater will also benefit from the expansion to the senior center which features a front porch that will face the stage of the amphitheater and provide space for seniors or the public during city events.

In addition to providing new space at the center, the city is also constructing new restroom facilities at the senior center which will be accessible from the outside to service guests.

The expansion of the senior center and the new amphitheater benefitted from the city’s sales tax increase that was passed in February, 2023 and is a part of the Alabaster Fast Forward program. The Alabaster City Council previously approved the $4,725,100 bid to Clements Dean Building Company for the construction of both upgrades to the municipal area during a meeting on Dec. 11, 2023.

“We can’t wait to open this new facility for our residents later this year,” Wagner said.

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