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2008-01-24  BUSINESS POST | Amphitheater taking shape in Alpharetta
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| | | (BOB PEPALIS/www.northfulton.com)
The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra unveiled this model of the amphitheater, which is now being built west of Westside Parkway and beside Encore Parkway in Alpharetta.
(click for larger version) | |
February 07, 2008
An amphitheater in Alpharetta that had been a dream of former Fulton County Commissioner Bob Fulton and others for a decade or more headed toward reality with the announcement in late January that the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Woodruff Arts Center would build and operate the amphitheater.
The Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park is expected to open in May 2008 on 45 acres of land in Alpharetta off Westside Parkway across Ga. 400 from the North Point Mall area. The $35 million project includes $ 7 million for the land. Bonds issued by Woodruff will pay for most of the project.
A $5 million grant from the The Robert W. Woodruff Foundation and two $1 million grants from Alpharetta and Fulton County round out the funding. Woodruff will own the amphitheater, and the ASO will be the operator.
Recently, Alpharetta approved the issuance of up to $16 million in tax exempt bonds for Woodruff Arts Center to build the amphitheater.
Construction began in June on the amphitheater, which will seat more than 7,000 under its roof, and another 5,000 on a lawn area. As of last week, the stage was taking shape. Record dry weather has meant more construction days for the project.
Designed by KKE Architects of Minneapolis, it will include a distinctive fan-shaped roof to be made of a translucent cloth-like material. Two wide plazas surrounding the venue will feature decorative facades and offer dining options for patrons.
In keeping with Alpharetta's tree ordinance and designation as a "Tree City USA," Sasaki Associates' landscape design will preserve the park-like setting of the 45-acre property.
Popular entertainment acts, classical performances, community festivals and graduations will use the amphitheater, he said.
Parking for more than 2,600 vehicles will be available in two lots adjacent to the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, with additional parking in the immediate surrounding area.
The venue will host leading popular artists and a wide range of orchestral, community, festival and family events, broadening the ASO's presenting opportunities in north Fulton County.
The land for Encore Park was acquired by the Woodruff Arts Center in two parcels: one from Cousins Properties and the other from Duke Realty.
The Amphitheater at Encore Park will be owned by the Woodruff Arts Center and operated by the ASO. Fulton County Commissioner Lynne Riley said at its groundbreaking last summer that credit for the vision for the amphitheater goes to the late Bob Fulton.
"We are so lucky to have an amphitheater and a true arts center here in North Fulton," said Riley.
At that same event, Alpharetta Mayor Arthur Letchas shared credit with his council for making it a reality.
"But also three people who have worked diligently on that Encore Board to make sure this process happened: Brandon Beach, Penn Hodge and Mike Nixon. If it hadn't been for those three people, we probably wouldn't be standing here," Letchas said.
- www.northfulton.com
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Reader Comments
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February 17, 2008 | 03:41 AM
i need a clear picture of tis project.....wud u kindly do it 4 me....ur images r not clear,,,,,,and moreover i don a get a good view of the covered and uncovered spaces,,,,kindly detail out....give information as of ur roof heights,,,seatin,,,,dimensions of treads ,,riser etc..it wud be really helpful 4 me as i"m doin research...kindly consider
Monisha
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