An impressive brand-new amphitheater for the Jeffersontown community is nearing completion. The multifunctional venue, located at 10721 Old Taylorsville Road just below Veterans Park, is part of Mayor Carol Pike’s vision to create a dynamic environment where residents can live, work and play. With its state-of-the-art sound system and lighting, it can host a variety of entertainment options, ranging from rock concerts to warm-weather outdoor theater performances.
“During the summer months, Jeffersontown people are outside people. The goal is that the amphitheater will be walkable from our town square and a destination not only for the residents who live here but also for tourists. This will help grow our downtown economy by attracting more restaurants and businesses,” Pike said.
The idea for the amphitheater began in 2020 when Jeffersontown took steps to reclaim the land of a former Metropolitan Sewer District wastewater treatment plant. After resolving several logistical challenges, the facility was razed and the site repurposed for citizen recreation. The city reached out to Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group, the landscape architects who previously designed Veterans Park. The architectural firm Joseph & Joseph developed plans for the amphitheater building. After initial grading was finished, ground was broken in 2022.
“There are many features that make this project great,” said David Newman, senior architect at Joseph & Joseph. “The amphitheater is combined with an indoor area the city can rent out, which is especially good in the wintertime. This nearly 200-person event space has upscale finishes and could be used for weddings or corporate meetings. There is a nice view from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The inside space includes a lobby, dressing rooms that could be used for wedding parties or green rooms for speakers, and a small catering kitchen. A sliding glass wall separates the inside from the stage, allowing for additional outside tables to be set up during an event.”
“The exterior of the building is dynamic, with curved forms suggesting energy. A combination of materials was used, including stone, metal panels and wood laminate. The roof extends over the stage. During performances, two large barn doors can be drawn to create a solid backdrop in front of the sliding glass walls. Public restrooms are provided. The city wanted to create a forward-thinking, contemporary design that would attract people,” Newman said.
According to Newman, the building encompasses 8,500 square feet and is equipped with high-tech features to support a variety of performances. Community groups, including high school bands and touring troupes, were consulted on their venue needs. In addition to sound and lighting equipment, television systems were installed inside the space.
When planning the project, officials decided early on not to install fixed seating. The types of events and performances anticipated lend themselves to attendees bringing their own chairs and blankets for the grassy lawn. The venue can accommodate more guests during standing events, such as rock concerts. A flat concrete pad in front of the stage can be used for orchestra setups or VIP seating.
At present, the amphitheater building is finished. The next steps include completing the parking lot and establishing a healthy grass lawn. One advantage of the location is its proximity to Veterans Park, which is situated on a hill across Old Taylorsville Road. The landscaping plan includes the future possibility of connecting the two sites by road. Additionally, the reclaimed six-acre site is bordered by Chenoweth Run Stream and will include picnic areas with tables and trails.
“It is one of the very best amphitheaters in our regional area. It’s fresh and new and a place people can go to and enjoy the heart of downtown. It will be a destination for citizens of our community and for people who travel to see events that will be held there,” Pike said.
“Future plans involve food trucks and small food service sheds that could be rented out monthly. The idea would be to bring out a daily crowd. There will not be a park like this anywhere. It is unique and different. When it opens, we want everyone to come out and enjoy it,” Pike said.
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