City unveils plan for new stage, remodel of Coleman Hawkins Park next spring
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- After much time and planning, parks officials have finalized the new vision for one of Downtown's top venues for shows and festivals.
Shovels are set to break ground next spring on a $900,000 parks tax-funded project to remodel Coleman Hawkins Park, a process that included numerous feedback from Downtown groups, performers and community members.
"That project is now out for bid. In late November or early December, we should be ready to go to Council for their approval and then we'll be able to get that project going by spring," St. Joseph Parks Director Jeff Atkins said. "We're kind of hoping for a late July, August completion date."
Once complete, visitors will see a new-look layout, one that's designed to maximize viewing space and enhance sound capabilities for concerts, events and other year-round activities.
Central to the renovation project is relocating and replacing the gazebo with a large new stage that faces north toward Francis Street, as opposed to facing Felix Street.
"The whole front of the stage will be wide open ... a lot easier for the bands to just to be seen by the crowd. It'll have a big cantilever roof over it," Atkins said. “We've talked to everybody we can think of to gather information on what type of footprint fits best. We think we've got that."
Additionally, the adjacent hillside will be landscaped into new terraces to create a true seating and amphitheater-like setting with improved acoustics. The famous Coleman Hawkins statue will also be relocated south and installed next to the new stage during construction.
"The terraces are going to be great for seating and it's going to give that view for people in the background with a little bit of elevation, it'll absolutely beautify the space too," said Jeff Waggoner, owner of The Den, a popular cocktail bar on Felix Street. “It'll allow sound to travel better."
With Downtown destinations like the new-and-improved Civic Arena and InspireU Children's Discovery Museum driving increased foot traffic in the area -- including plans for new apartments on Felix Street -- Waggoner thinks the project couldn't come at a more perfect time.
“It's a super exciting vision, Downtown has needed a new venue for festivities and for music for quite some time," Waggoner said. "For the city to be stepping up and supporting such a large redo of a venue, with the overall revitalization with Downtown, we're really on this growth curve that is headed in the right direction."
The venue is also the home for longstanding community events like the Coleman Hawkins Jazz Society's "HawkFest" and Celtic Street Faire.
Waggoner confirmed that the popular Sounds of Summer Concert Series will continue as planned next year at the venue, although disruptions are expected.
“We will still have bands. We will still have events down here. It'll look a little bit different, but I'm convinced that people will still come down to support and enjoy what we have to offer," said Jeff Waggoner, owner of the Den and president of the Downtown Association Board of Directors.
