Final design in for new amphitheater at Macon Mall. Here’s what it’s going to look like

With the final design work complete, Macon-Bibb County has released renderings of a planned amphitheater — part of the $42.8 million Macon Mall redevelopment project.

“It’s one thing to talk about a new facility and what we hope to give to our community,” Mayor Lester Miller said in a news release. “It’s another thing to see what people can expect.

“The pictures of the new amphitheater are beautiful, and I know people will be amazed at what Macon-Bibb will offer in the form of outdoor entertainment.”

Site preparation, which includes relocation of utilities such as gas lines and storm drains, has begun on the site. The work also includes removal of old foundations and structures.

The foundation is expected to be poured in the next few weeks, and Piedmont Construction Group has set up a time lapse camera for people to view progress on the site.

The amphitheater

To be built on the southeast corner of the site, the amphitheater stage will face toward Rocky Creek and Mercer University Drive.

Amphitheater seating includes:

• 2,500 fixed seats in a “stepped seating bowl.”
• 1,500 temporary seats on a flat floor between the fixed seats and the stage.
• 6,000 lawn seats outside of the bowl and roof structure.
• VIP seating will be in 10 “boxes” between the pit and fixed seating.

Concessions, retail and restrooms will be located at two entrance plazas. The plazas will also have overlooks for “ additional VIP opportunities,” the release said.

Other concession and retail options are expected to be located around the amphitheater, and future plans could include the construction of a full-service restaurant, according to the release.

The stage

The performance stage will be 60 feet deep and 72 feet wide with wings that will be 20 feet wide.

The backstage will have multiple dressing rooms, a makeup room, a green room and a catering area, break rooms and eating areas for the crews.

Plans also include the design of a 12-15 foot deep loading dock that will be able to accommodate eight truck bays that will be covered with a canopy.

Background

In addition to construction of an amphitheater, the redevelopment of the Macon Mall includes mall upgrades and an interior buildout designed to attract new tenants. Some government offices will also be relocated to the site, which is expected to include new sporting activities, such as a large indoor pickleball center.

The Urban Development Authority approved $44 million in revenue bonds for the Macon Mall redevelopment project. The amount includes a $1.2 million cushion for any potential cost overruns.

Macon-Bibb County expects to pay back the bonds from rent revenue from current and future tenants and revenues generated from amphitheater events.

“This project is a return on investment for a community that has held strong despite more than a decade of disinvestment,” Alex Morrison, Macon-Bibb’s director of planning and public spaces, said in the release.

“By bringing a mixed use project to Unionville and Bloomfield, we are returning equity to people’s homes and businesses while attracting new people to choose Macon as a home or tourism destination, ‘‘ added Morrison, who’s also the executive director of the Urban Development Authority.