Committee OKs up to $200,000 for Mercedes‑Benz Amphitheater City Club redesign

The Tuscaloosa City Public Projects Committee on an apparent unanimous voice vote authorized the mayor to execute an agreement with Jackie of All Trades to provide interior design and related services for the Mercedes‑Benz Amphitheater City Club for a total not to exceed $200,000, to be paid from the River District Fund for the amphitheater.

Committee members heard from Kaye, who said the City Club patio and adjacent area “has not been changed since 2011” and that VIP box holders and sponsors “pay very well” and “have not been experiencing” an elite service in recent years. Kaye said the work will replace existing wrought‑iron furniture with custom, resort‑quality outdoor cushioned benches, seating areas and high‑top tables designed for guest comfort and that the new furniture will be stored and maintained for reuse throughout the amphitheater’s 10‑year plan.

Committee members asked about frequency of maintenance on the current furniture and storage plans. Kaye said staff had been scraping and repainting the wrought‑iron annually and that the old furniture will be redeployed elsewhere on amphitheater grounds while the new furniture will be stored in the production building and used about 20–25 times per year. Kaye also said Jackie of All Trades previously provided interior finishes and furniture for the venue and is a sponsor of the amphitheater.

A motion to approve was made and seconded and the chair called for the voice vote; the motion carried.

The authorization covers design and related furnishing services only; the agreement limits and any future construction or rebranding of a new Mercedes club or other capital improvements were described as separate steps dependent on council approval of a longer‑range plan.