The design process has begun! The AWH Architect team recently visited Marquette to meet with stakeholder groups and explore the site of the future Peg Hirvonen Band Shell. Architects Namdi Alexander, Alex Haecker, and consulting landscape architect Matt Tucker were able to discuss the current uses and future wish lists with community stakeholders representing performing arts including city band, music, dance, theatre, and other community uses.
The 100-year-old structure served our community well, but the compromised structure was decommissioned in 2022 and had been used primarily for City Band concerts prior to that. While City Band remains a core partner for the project, the rebuild offers an opportunity to satisfy the wish list of other performance types as well. These considerations will expand the structure’s potential for hosting community events.
Local performers and advocates representing over 20 organizations discussed the needs of storage space, lighting, acoustics, audience sightlines, and more. There was a refreshing amount of consensus despite the diverse performance needs and one request unified the perspectives across disciplines: everyone wishes to see the materials reused/locally repurposed and for the new design to incorporate a respectful nod to the original structure.
Namdi, Alex, and Matt will return during City of Marquette Art Week to share their proposed designs with the community. They will continue to meet with stakeholders, City staff and City advising committees in the coming weeks to ensure that their design is not only functional for stage users but feels to be naturally inspired by the local surroundings.
Questions and comments may be directed to City Community Services Director, Jon Swenson. jswenson@marquettemi.gov
Join us on Presque Isle Park for the final day of Art Week 2024, June 29th. The day will feature an art fair at Presque Isle Station, Fresh Coast Plein Air Painting Competition, updates from AWH architects about the Peg Hirvonen Band Shell project, and a closing concert hosted at the Band Shell site featuring City Band and a multitude of local performers! Save the Date!