San Diego Symphony To Build $25M Open-Air, Waterfront Concert Facility
The SD Symphony has gained approval to move forward on a proposed $25M, 10,000-seat outdoor concert venue on the San Diego Bay waterfront.
The SD Unified Port District board authorized negotiations for a 66-year lease on 3.6 acres, where the symphony plans to build the new facility. The site on Embarcadero Marina Park South is where the symphony presents outdoor pop concerts during the summer.
The symphony plans to build a permanent nearly 5k SF stage, large enough to hold all symphony musicians, but covered by an acoustic band shell, similar to the Hollywood Bowl.
Designed by Soundforms, the same London-based team that worked on the 2012 London Olympics, the band shell would be composed of material similar to that used on the San Diego Convention Center Sail Pavilion and Lindbergh Field’s Terminal 2 arrival plaza, according to the San Diego Union Tribune.
The goal is to minimize sound amplification surrounding residents, including those in Coronado. Tucker Sadler Architects designed the complex so people can walk around it and hear the music, without perching on rocks that line the bay edge, noted Port Commissioner Bob Nelson, upon announcing the board’s decision.
To be completed for the 2017 summer concert season, the $20M to $25M project, which would resemble amphitheaters around the world, includes permanent seating, public restrooms and a food service facility, which may end up a small year-round restaurant and gift shop.
The port received more than $81k in rent from the symphony last year, but is projecting more than $226k this year due to more concerts, special events by other groups and higher ticket sales. [SDUT]
