Union Bank and Trust Pavilion

Portsmouth, Virginia

This project involved a new Amphitheater located in downtown Portsmouth, Virginia. The project includes a canopy structure designed by Bird Air that covers approximately 50,000 square feet of fixed seating. Behind the fixed seating, there is an 18-foot high earth berm, which is uncovered to provide for lawn seating. Our scope included the design of the foundations for the Bird Air canopy structure, along with numerous other support structures. First, the stage house is approximately 80’x100’ and is approximately 50 feet tall. The front of the building is completely open and the remainder of the building is covered with fabric matching the Bird Air canopy structure. The project also included a practice stage and support buildings for the artists and crew. There are also two toilet buildings, a concession stand, and a ticket center. All of the support buildings are one-story masonry and steel construction and contain small canopies with fabric to match the Bird Air canopy structure. A unique feature of this project is that portions of the buildings and berm are constructed over the existing Downtown Tunnels, which are located approximately 30’ to 40’ below the surface. The location and design of the new foundations had to be approved by VDOT and their structural engineer. This was a very challenging project, with an estimated construction cost of approximately $11 Million Dollars.