Gerry Frank Amphitheater

Celebrating Salem: The Gerry Frank Amphitheater

To celebrate 100 years of service, the Rotary Club of Salem (Rotary) sought to construct a multi-purpose amphitheater at Salem’s Riverfront Park. After holding a design competition, they settled on a sweeping wooden pavilion inspired by the open-weave baskets of the Kalapuya Native American tribe who once lived along the riverfront.

With our proven track record in civic projects and extensive local network, Rotary leadership recognized the value Klosh Group would bring to the project and selected us to manage it from conception to completion.

A Duty to Respect and Restore

Our process began with detailed site work that honored the legacy of the Kalapuya people. Klosh Group commissioned an archeological review to determine if any tribal artifacts remained that could be recovered for local tribe members. A certified inspector observed all excavations, and no tribal objects were found.

Due to the 3.8-acre site previously being an industrially zoned area, we also created a detailed Contaminated Media Management Plan (CMMP) for containment or removal of any existing hazardous materials or debris.

Overcoming Obstacles

As with many other projects at this time, the team had to quickly adapt to COVID-related restrictions. To keep work moving forward during the design and construction documentation phase, we drove the facilitation of remote collaboration between consultants, fabricators, and other project stakeholders – at the time a new and untested approach to project delivery.

Shortly after construction began, the large wildfire caused hazardous air conditions that slowed progress. To make matters worse, just as the construction team began installation of the intricate wooden pavilion shell, a major ice storm threatened the integrity of the structure. Klosh Group guided the team through each challenge, providing the necessary support and venues for creative team problem solving that would allow the project to push forward and finish on schedule.

A Vibrant Addition to the Community Arts Scene

The completed amphitheater features a seating capacity of up to 5,000, a covered stage, an acre of contoured lawn, and a plaza equipped with power and water for up to 14 vendors. Since opening in July of 2021, it has served as a gathering place for concerts, community movie nights, holiday events, and private celebrations.

We’re proud of the role we played in creating this cultural hub for the Rotary and greater Salem area, as it was fueled by a desire to enrich the community that our employees call home.