Woodstock's performance and entertainment community will soon be welcoming a bright, new star to the stage in the form of a proper amphitheater for Main Street. The contract to create a roomier, more functional concert space will be awarded by the City Council to the bidder with the best design Dec. 13. Once plans have been drafted and financing aligned, construction will begin just across from Downtown Woodstock City Park, where the current Summer Concert Series is held. 

City Manager Jeff Moon said when the discussion was opened about a dedicated music venue in downtown Woodstock,there wasn't much to deliberate.

"It was pretty much a consensus between the mayor and the council, when staff brought the topic up, that we needed to do it," Moon said.

It should come as no surprise to those who've attended the Summer Concert Series, which has enjoyed a great deal of success among citizens in its 13-year run, that city officials have noticed certain inconveniences during the shows; namely a notable lack of space.

"The current park was never designed for concerts," said Donnie Henriques, Woodstock's mayor for two terms running. "Our concert series has become so popular that a more conducive atmosphere has become necessary if they are to continue."

He said he also believes the project will free up room in the park which could be better utilized for other things.

The majority of those involved with the pitch for an amphitheater understand that it was a long time coming, including Moon, who said he also sees it as a positive trend for the community's interest in local arts.

One dilemma was that their team had no desire to alter the current concert location, a Main Street landmark regarded fondly by many. After all, much of Woodstock's pride can be derived from its well-known commitment to preserving the structural integrity of historic or beloved spaces, and many improvements to the downtown area have had to conform to those rigid standards. 

"We've outgrown our current venue for the Summer Concert Series, and that's a good problem to have. But we really didn't want to make the modifications necessary to City Park in order to accommodate more people. Having it adjacent instead will work out well, so City Park can stay the nice little park that it is."

Permanently plumbed restrooms and a concessions area are under development while the architectural details and official layout are still being decided upon.

Moon and Henriques are confident the economic impact will be positive, generating not only event attendees and concession sales, but also attracting new life to Main Street.

Primary funding for the amphitheater will come from SPLOST Dollars, Georgia's local-option sales tax intended to cover public improvements, as well as from the pay generated by the sale of the theater's naming rights.

"I think what it will do is continue bringing people to the downtown area who go to the summer concerts," Moon said, "but also, those who've never been downtown, or don't go downtown often. It will let them see the changes that have taken place. We see [the project] as a catalyst for the downtown area."

Henriques agrees, adding that the general idea is "to continue to grow the [concert] series, keep bringing people downtown, and see what else we have to offer."

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