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City says amphitheater project moving forward; developers, Giant Eagle restrictions under review
Summary
City staff told the Stow senior commission that the amphitheater project is advancing through purchase and design steps and that accessibility issues identified by commissioners are being incorporated into the design.
City staff told the senior commission that the planned amphitheater project is progressing through property and design steps, and that accessibility concerns raised by commissioners are being incorporated into the plans.
According to the law director, the land currently is owned by one developer that has reached an agreement with a second developer; the city is negotiating to buy part of the property from the second developer. "We are working with developer B right now because developer A is gonna sell the property to developer B," the law director said. City staff said they expect to sign a purchase agreement within a week or two and aim to break ground this summer, with project completion targeted for summer 2026 (the law director said August 2026 is a more likely completion month).
Commissioners raised accessibility issues after a bus tour of a comparable site, noting steep approach steps, permeable surfaces that are hard for wheelchairs and walkers, and restroom access and sink height. City staff said architects are redesigning pathways, adding more paved access, and have integrated a ramp into the stage so performers or participants can reach it without travelling around the rear. Staff also said grant funding was secured to install a universal adult changing station in the venue’s restroom(s).
The law director described ongoing legal and title work: the parcel under discussion includes deed restrictions held by a nearby Giant Eagle grocery store, which has language limiting certain competing uses next door. City attorneys and the developers are negotiating to resolve those restrictions; staff said they had a productive meeting with Giant Eagle earlier the same day.
City staff characterized the current work as legal, design, and coordination steps rather than visible construction; they said the architect is engaged and recommended the public will see more visible progress once property purchase and permitting steps are completed.
Commissioners asked that the city coordinate with the local accessibility commission and welcomed the commitment to expanded paths, higher toilets and other universal‑design features.
