The ORIGINAL Amphitheater was built in 1987.
Hunzinger served as the Construction Manager and was involved throughout the earliest planning of the project so that the owner could maximize our cost estimating and value engineering expertise throughout the preconstruction phase. The amphitheater was designed by Eppstein Uhen Architects and GRAEF was the structural engineer. The 23,000 seat Marcus Amphitheater hosts the music industry’s hottest stars during Summerfest along with additional shows throughout the festival season. The amphitheater was built into a large hill adjacent to the shoreline of Lake Michigan. The site landfill conditions posed multiple challenges throughout both design and construction. Hunzinger worked closely with engineers and environmental consultants throughout preconstruction to develop an approved materials management plan to address spoils that had to be disposed of at a licensed landfill. Additionally, we developed approved methods of utilizing spoils at various onsite project locations thus minimizing the amount and expense of off-site disposal. The amphitheater included multiple restrooms and food vendor buildings on all levels, a large VIP patio area capable of hosting pre-concert parties of 300 patrons and excellent sound and lighting throughout, making it one of Wisconsin’s premier concert venues. Hunzinger self-performed many divisions of trade work including carpentry, masonry and concrete.
