Merriweather Post Pavilion

Owner: The Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission | Services: Cost Estimating

Initially designed in the late 1960s by renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia’s Symphony Woods is acclaimed as one of the nation’s top amphitheaters. The Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission enlisted JP2 Architects, Design Collective, Tarantino Engineering Consultants, and Costello Construction to assist with a five-phase, five-year-long, $55 million renovation.

This extensive project included additions and renovations to the main stage and the construction of a 25,000-square-foot office and warehouse building for venue operations staff and performers. The site development featured numerous walkways, landscaped areas, retaining walls, concession stands, and public restrooms. The renovation project included adding the Butterfly Building and the Caterpillar, an interactive landscape feature of an 800-foot-long, 10-foot diameter, plant-covered tube that separates Merriweather from Symphony Woods. This unique structure offers audio, art opportunities, mist, and lighting effects.

Our Axias team provided cost estimating services for several projects in the adjacent Symphony Woods, including the Butterfly Building, food concessions, art gallery, and the Caterpillar interactive landscape amenity.