Since its inception in the late 1930s, the Presque Isle Bandshell has served as a cornerstone of community gatherings and performances. However, due to the passage of time and exposure to the elements, the structure was decommissioned in 2022. Now, our goal is to honor its rich history while ushering in a new era with an updated amphitheater that seamlessly blends form and function.
The City of Marquette has received a generous gift of $1,000,000 from the Ray and Peg Hirvonen Foundation for the design and construction of a new band shell at Presque Isle Park, The Peg Hirvonen Bandshell will be constructed in Summer 2025!
Peg Hirvonen’s lifelong interest in music and philanthropy contributed to the rich tradition of performing and visual arts in Marquette. The Hirvonen Foundation is a longtime supporter of the Marquette City Band; Peg enjoyed the summer concerts and attended regularly.
Updates for this project will be posted to this webpage.
Interested supporters should follow the Marquette City Band facebook page for additional fundraising opportunities and the summer concert schedule.
Project Updates:
Architect Selected for the Peg Hirvonen Band Shell
The City of Marquette has selected AWH Architects from Minneapolis to design and oversee the construction the Peg Hirvonen Band Shell. The City Band and other stakeholders will be involved in the design process over the coming months, with site work slated to start this Fall. AWH Architects has a strong track record with community-focused projects in the Lake Superior region and are inspired by Fredick Law Olmsted’s original vision of preservation for Presque Isle Park.
This project is made possible through generous funding from the Ray and Peg Hirvonen Foundation. It is expected that the entire project will require additional funding and we’re optimistic about the future support we’ll receive from individuals and businesses throughout the Marquette area.
SAVE THE DATE — The Marquette City Band and other local performers will take the stage at Presque Isle Park on Saturday, June 29 for the closing concert of Art Week! This event will commence the community fundraising efforts for the revitalization of our cherished band shell.
RFP for Peg Hirvonen Band Shell Design
City of Marquette Announces Request for Proposals for Presque Isle Bandshell Project
Marquette, Michigan – January 26, 2024
The City of Marquette announces a major step forward in the much-anticipated project to update the cherished community space at Presque Isle Park. The City is seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide design and construction oversight services for the replacement of the City bandshell. Funding for the replacement of the bandshell has been generously provided by the Hirvonen Foundation. The Peg Hirvonen Bandshell will be a testament to Peg Hirvonen’s lifelong interest in music and philanthropy, particularly as an avid supporter of the Marquette City Band.
The Presque Isle Bandshell has been a focal point of community events and performances since the late 1930’s and due to age and elements, the structure was decommissioned in 2022. This project aims to honor this iconic structure’s history and preserve the location with an updated amphitheater that improves both form and function. The scope of the project includes the demolition of the existing bandshell, site work, and the construction of a new bandshell. The selected firm will work collaboratively with City Staff, City boards, committees, and community stakeholders to develop an architecturally stamped design that meets the unique requirements of users, visitors, and the Marquette community at large.
“We are seeking a partner who understands the historical significance of Presque Isle Park and can envision a design that considers Fredrick Law Olmstead’s original recommendations for the park,” said City Community Services Director Jon Swenson, “The RFP marks an important step towards bringing the Peg Hirvonen Bandshell to life.”
Interested firms are invited to submit their proposals by 11:00 a.m. EST February 15, 2024. Detailed information on the Request for Proposals (RFP) can be found on the City of Marquette’s Bids & Proposals page https://www.marquettemi.gov/departments/financial-services/bids-proposals-quotes/.
For further information, please contact City Community Services Department Director, Jon Swenson at jswenson@marquettemi.gov or (906)225-8593