The current Chautauqua Amphitheater, which is scheduled to be replaced by a new Amp before the start of the 2017 summer season.
MAYVILLE – A lawsuit was filed in New York State Supreme Court on Friday seeking to halt the Chautauqua Institution’s plans to demolish its iconic open-air amphitheater and build a new one. The suit was filed by the Committee to Preserve the Historic Chautauqua Amphitheater and five owners of residences at Chautauqua.
The Chautauqua Institution’s board of trustees voted Dec. 30 to approve a $41.5 million plan to demolish its 122-year-old amphitheater and build a similar, modernized structure designed to offer greater accessibility to those with disabilities, more seating, an orchestra pit and improved sightlines and safety.
Preservationists have vehemently opposed the plan.
Officials with the Institution say they’ve received the required construction permits from the Town of Chautauqua to begin preseason work on the amphitheater project. The also say they are confident they will prevail on the issue and plan to keep moving forward with a state-of-the-art, renewed Amp.
Barring any delays due to the recent lawsuit, the new amp is slated to be opened prior to the start of the 2017 Chautauqua season.
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