Clair Donnelly, the beloved late mayor of Maize, Kansas, had a dream to have a place where the local community could gather and live life together. Part of that vision was the amphitheater that is now the keystone to the community plaza in the heart of Maize. In conception, it needed to be adaptable and a place to host anything from concerts and performances to farmers’ markets, food trucks, art fairs, and special events.

The objective of the project was to create a design that balanced form and function. The cover over the amphitheater features solid and semi-transparent panels to let light in while offering protection from the weather. The side sections include tongue and groove wood decking underneath to incorporate natural materials and enhance the design. The stage of the amphitheater is the centerpiece of the Maize master plan. It can comfortably seat an orchestra of 60 yet would not be overwhelming for a band of three. A prominent light fixture descends from the middle of the stage, offering an ambiance and beaming light throughout the structure and adjacent water tower. The primary focus of the design was the loudspeaker system.

The most crucial element of the amphitheater was to memorialize the legacy of Clair Donnelly, a true community leader who played an integral part in creating the vision for the theater. The designed amenities fulfill that vision and allow the citizens of Maize and its visitors to enjoy this beautiful space daily.

SERVICES
Electrical
Landscape Architecture
Mechanical
Structural

COMPLETION DATE
2022