Saving Sunken Garden

Can an aging amphitheatre in San Antonio, Texas, be renovated to become the city’s version of the Hollywood Bowl? Kirk Feldmann, CEO of venue management company ACE Theatrical Group, is working with the city to make that vision a reality.

The company manages the city’s Majestic and Empire theatres, both of which underwent extensive redevelopment under Feldmann.

Feldmann is proposing a major, $20 million restoration and upgrade to the 4,800-capacity Sunken Garden Theatre. The company wants to partner with the city and split the cost. Feldmann will pitch the project to the citizen bond committees in hopes of getting the project added to the ballot for next May’s bond issue, according to KSAT-TV.

Under the proposal, ACE would manage the shed, maintain it and pay rent to the city. Upgrades to the venue would include sound and lighting, expanded seating up to 6,500, overhead seating and trellises, larger backstage, new loading docks, a box office, new bathroom facilities and permanent concessions.

The ACE exec said a renovated Sunken Garden would give major acts looking to play a mid-sized venue in the market another option.

The city council is expected to review bond committee recommendations early next year.