Numerous public hearings were conducted with adjacent neighborhoods that would be impacted by this unique facility. Additional services included topographic surveys, site planning, stormwater management system design, utility studies and preparation of construction documents. LandMark Design Group also developed the final site plans and specifications for the 300,000 cubic yard berm configuration, adjacent parking and related features of the completed site. Wetland permits were necessary for stormwater management and facilities development.

Landscape plans were prepared for the extension of Dam Neck Road. Work was coordinated with the designer of the on-site amphitheater landscaping to commensurate design and use of plant materials with that of the roadway landscaping.

The two-stage sanitary sewer pump station was designed by LandMark Design Group's in-house utility experts. The station is capable of pumping 450 gallons per minute during events at the amphitheater and 70 gallons per minute to serve the administrative offices and the adjacent soccer complex between events. Submersible pumps handle the large event flows and two-grinder pumps in the same wet well serve the lower, between-event flows.

In conjunction with the construction, LandMark Design Group prepared the design of Concert Drive and the extended Dam Neck Road, both to access the amphitheater property. Included in the design package was Dam Neck Road extension, a 3,500 linear foot, 4-lane bifurcated roadway on new alignment, and Concert Drive, a 2,800 linear foot, 4-lane undivided roadway, also on new alignment through existing Princess Anne Park.

LandMark Design Group's services include topographic survey, roadway geometrics, design of storm drainage, water and sanitary sewer trunk lines and specialized signage, graphics and markings, signalization, lighting, landscaping, specifications and full-time construction supervision. Significant features of the project included median lakes with upgraded wetland and traditional landscaping, a bikeway and pedestrian system through the park and along each roadway, a pavement design to accommodate the poor soil conditions and close coordination with concurrent design and construction of the amphitheater site itself.

From inception of the concept, this project was on a fast track completion schedule. LandMark Design Group prepared the design of the roadways in 19 weeks. Construction of the project, also on the fast track, was completed in seven months and in time for the May 1996 opening of the Amphitheater facility. To maintain quality and adherence to the project schedule, LandMark Design Group provided all the planning, survey, design, traffic impact studies, landscape architecture, and full-time construction supervision services in-house.

This project was completed $600,000 under budget and at one-third the City average for change orders in terms of percent of construction. Total construction cost of the roadways was $3.2 million. Construction cost of the amphitheater, which opened April 15, 1996, was estimated at $13.8 million.

Client: City of Virginia Beach and Cellar Door Venues, Inc.