Lorain Port Authority awards contract for $6.8M amphitheater project

LORAIN — The Lorain Port and Finance Authority will spend $6.8 million to construct the new amphitheater at Black River Landing. The Port Authority will focus on the amphitheater to replace the concrete stage and its temporary covering, and build a green room facility at a later date, Executive Director Tiffany McClelland said. The longer the Port Authority waited, the more costs for the site would increase, McClelland said on Thursday, so with the board's blessing the organization chose to move forward with the core of the site's upgrades and put the estimated $5 million green room project on the back burner. The Port Authority's board of trustees approved a contract with Whiting-Turner Contracting Company for construction management of the Black River Landing project. "This is an exciting day for Lorain and the entire region," board Chairman Brad Mullins said in a news release. "The Black River Landing Amphitheater will be a game-changer for our community, providing a world-class entertainment venue that will attract visitors, support local businesses and create lasting economic impact." The Port Authority will continue to raise funds toward the green room and other phases of work at Black River Landing. In the interim, it will use part of its $5 million bond approved in the spring, alongside $995,000 each from the city and county's American Rescue Plan Act funds, $750,000 over five years from the Lorain County Visitors Bureau; $650,000 in philanthropic commitments; $500,00 from the state; and $250,000 from the Lorain Port Authority's budget for the amphitheater construction. The $5 million bond will be repaid over a 20-year period through revenue from the site. The annual debt service is about $384,000 split into two payments each year. Shovels will go in the ground on the amphitheater project Sept. 15, just days after the 2025 concert season ends Sept. 12. Upgrades to the 24-year-old festival site were originally supposed to break ground after the 2024 season ended. Delays in funding meant waylaying the project a year and breaking it into more phases over the next decade or two. The first phase, set to start this fall, is the core of the festival site. That amphitheater and regraded grass bowl will be pushed further back on the festival grounds and turned to give attendees a view of the waterfront alongside the musical acts they come to see. The work and new stage layout will not affect the Underground Railroad Station 100 Monument, McClelland said. The marker, a large granite slab surrounded by pavers and benches sponsored by individuals and businesses in the area, was damaged by storms last summer. A replacement — 8 inches thick rather than the original 6 inches — is on the way, McClelland said, and will be placed in time for next concert season. Winter work at the site may affect other events outside the summer concert season, McClelland said. The Port Authority plans to work with affected organizers to find temporary solutions and homes for its events, she said. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.