What really needs to be demolished is the plans for programming at the venue. If we are attempting to "enrich the lives of generations to come," a new structure does not do it...they need new ideas.
P
Patrick Mead
11 years ago
Whether this is an historic rehabilitation or a demoltion, it should not be done without the full support of a fully informed Chautauqua Community.
B
Bob Perkins
11 years ago
A real bait and switch. Destruction of the principal structure in the center of the "Historical District" is a big mistake. Fix it, don't replace it. Please!
C
Charles & Naomi Kaufman
11 years ago
It is truly disappointing that at this late date we find out what the real plan is. It should have been realized from the beginning that the design would not work without demolition and then the plan should have been revised.
C
Charles & Naomi Kaufman
11 years ago
NC
C
Cheryl Gulvin
11 years ago
Stating the obvious.....once it's gone, it's gone for good.
K
Kim Trotter King
11 years ago
Save the Amp! Chautaugua would be changed forever in not a good way if this happens!
M
Maria Licht
11 years ago
the amp is a piece of hiostory that defines the Institute. I woulod hope there would be some pride in preservation, as there has been for many of the historic buiildings and homes within the Institute. lISTEN TO WHAT THE PEOPLE WHO ATTEND WANT!
D
Donna Sorensen
11 years ago
The deception & hypocrisy of this administration are extraordinary.
L
Libby Mead Fox
11 years ago
As a lifelong Chautauquan and current New Englander, all I can think of is what the locals would do if a similar demolition proposal was made for Fenway. Like Fenway, the Amp is unique. It, too, has less than perfect seats, viewing areas and columns. But that's what makes it special. Imagine the uproar from Red Sox fans if te owners were to suggest demolishing Fenway? Do the people behind this proposed project want to become a case history for architecture students gor decades to come about how NOT to handle historic preservation? Save the Amp!
A
Aaron Glatfelter
11 years ago
I just read the Chautauqua News, If what it says is true then I say "Shame, president Becker, shame"
J
Jacqueline Campen
11 years ago
Our Amphitheater is the 'heart' of Chautauqua and of enormous historic significance. It should be preserved, not demolished and replaced. The Board of Trustees must join with the community to save this building for us and for our grandchildren - and their future generations.
D
David Peckinpaugh - Property Owner
11 years ago
With the significant and recent change in the scope of this project the Board of Trustees owes it to the community to hit the pause button and allow the community to have further input and not push this demolition forward during the offseason as is so often the case.
A
Alexandra Fee
11 years ago
The Chautauqua Amphitheater has become so important to me over the past two summers. Performing on the Amphitheater's stage is my most treasured memory and always will be. I wish to perform here in 15 years on the rehabilitated stage, feeling what I felt the first time I saw it; admiration of it’s historic beauty.
M
Matthew Bradley
11 years ago
The amp is a treature
W
Wendy Wood Wisniewski
11 years ago
The amphitheater IS the heart of Chautauqua. Completely destroying that heart would be an epic mistake and would change the entire ambiance of the institution.
W
Warren L. Hickman
11 years ago
There are many places in the U.S. where one may enjoy summer operas, concerts, and lectures. It has been the unique ambiance that has kept Chautauquans returning generation after generation. A completely new "model" amphitheater will remove the heart of this ambiance and makes us just one more place like Wolf Trap, Aspen or Saratoga. The ambiance has been the heart and soul of Chautauqua. Please don't kill it.
What really needs to be demolished is the plans for programming at the venue. If we are attempting to "enrich the lives of generations to come," a new structure does not do it...they need new ideas.
Whether this is an historic rehabilitation or a demoltion, it should not be done without the full support of a fully informed Chautauqua Community.
A real bait and switch. Destruction of the principal structure in the center of the "Historical District" is a big mistake. Fix it, don't replace it. Please!
It is truly disappointing that at this late date we find out what the real plan is. It should have been realized from the beginning that the design would not work without demolition and then the plan should have been revised.
NC
Stating the obvious.....once it's gone, it's gone for good.
Save the Amp! Chautaugua would be changed forever in not a good way if this happens!
the amp is a piece of hiostory that defines the Institute. I woulod hope there would be some pride in preservation, as there has been for many of the historic buiildings and homes within the Institute. lISTEN TO WHAT THE PEOPLE WHO ATTEND WANT!
The deception & hypocrisy of this administration are extraordinary.
As a lifelong Chautauquan and current New Englander, all I can think of is what the locals would do if a similar demolition proposal was made for Fenway. Like Fenway, the Amp is unique. It, too, has less than perfect seats, viewing areas and columns. But that's what makes it special. Imagine the uproar from Red Sox fans if te owners were to suggest demolishing Fenway? Do the people behind this proposed project want to become a case history for architecture students gor decades to come about how NOT to handle historic preservation? Save the Amp!
I just read the Chautauqua News, If what it says is true then I say "Shame, president Becker, shame"
Our Amphitheater is the 'heart' of Chautauqua and of enormous historic significance. It should be preserved, not demolished and replaced. The Board of Trustees must join with the community to save this building for us and for our grandchildren - and their future generations.
With the significant and recent change in the scope of this project the Board of Trustees owes it to the community to hit the pause button and allow the community to have further input and not push this demolition forward during the offseason as is so often the case.
The Chautauqua Amphitheater has become so important to me over the past two summers. Performing on the Amphitheater's stage is my most treasured memory and always will be. I wish to perform here in 15 years on the rehabilitated stage, feeling what I felt the first time I saw it; admiration of it’s historic beauty.
The amp is a treature
The amphitheater IS the heart of Chautauqua. Completely destroying that heart would be an epic mistake and would change the entire ambiance of the institution.
There are many places in the U.S. where one may enjoy summer operas, concerts, and lectures. It has been the unique ambiance that has kept Chautauquans returning generation after generation. A completely new "model" amphitheater will remove the heart of this ambiance and makes us just one more place like Wolf Trap, Aspen or Saratoga. The ambiance has been the heart and soul of Chautauqua. Please don't kill it.
please do not destroy it - an American icon!
Austin
A replica can never replace history