A public amphitheater and park on the Everett waterfront costing a minimum of $1.1 million won approval Tuesday from the Port of Everett commission.
The amphitheater, which will be the main gathering place for the planned $200 million redevelopment of part of the city’s waterfront, would include:
* Four hundred permanent seats and temporary seating for 950 more for public performances.
* A significant amount of green space and shaded areas.
* Several areas for performances, including a permanent stage and storage areas for equipment.
If efforts to raise another $500,000 to $600,000 by three area service clubs are successful, the facility would also include:
* A gateway with accent columns.
* Plaza block seats.
* A permanent stage cover.
* A dressing-hospitality building.
* Below-ground storage.
* A 100-square-foot restroom.
* Fountain jets.
Colie Hough-Beck, president of Hough Beck &Baird Inc., a Seattle consulting firm, said the concept approved by the commission would meet most of the needs expressed by local community and arts groups.
Port commissioners approved the basic concept and will now wait to see the results of a fund-raising effort by three area Rotary clubs. Jim Haugen, president of Everett Rotary, said the clubs want to do something special this year to celebrate Rotary’s 100th anniversary.
Port commissioner Don Hopkins noted that any group looking for naming rights to the facility had better be prepared to come up with a big donation.
“I expect a significant contribution from them,” he said. “Otherwise, it will be the taxpayers’ park.”
Herald writer Mike Benbow: 425-339-3459 or benbow@heraldnet.com.
Hough Beck &Baird Inc.
An artist’s rendering shows the public amphitheater design that was approved on Tuesday.
A bird’s-eye view of the general layout and features of the amphitheater.
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