Board grants COA for Bicentennial Park amphitheater; design to preserve river views and add permanent AV and restroom infrastructure

The Madison Historic District Review Board voted on May 26 to grant a Certificate of Appropriateness for the City of Madison’s proposed amphitheater in Bicentennial Park.

Deputy Mayor Tony Steinhardt said the project has regional backing and was included in the Madison destination plan. Designer Jeff DeSmit of Studio Access walked through the current design: a reoriented stage and viewing axis, a main accessory building with concessions, storage and an enlarged restroom block (he specified eight fixtures per side, plus a family restroom and two additional accessible restrooms on the lower plaza), and permanent AV and electrical space located outside the floodway.

DeSmit said the stage elevation would be raised approximately 5 feet to reduce load‑in needs and facilitate performances, and described a stage frame or proscenium that provides permanent hanging points for speakers and lighting. "Everything will be there for them to just come in and use those items," he said, noting the design approach tries to keep views to the river intact.

Board members focused questions on rigging depths, sight lines to the river, the floodplain implications for permanent equipment, and consultant involvement on technical rider requirements. The design team confirmed they are working with theatrical consultants and that the top of the stage structure reaches roughly 50 feet from grade.

After discussion the board approved the COA on a roll‑call vote. Staff and the applicant will continue coordination on floodplain siting of permanent AV/electrical components, final materials, and detailed plans for restroom counts and accessibility compliance.

Clarifying details from the presentation included the intent to reuse approximately 75% of existing pilasters around the park where feasible and to reestablish the neighborhood edge with a revised parking layout to manage larger events.