Reviewed by: Pat Byington
Oak Mountain Amphitheatre redevelopment moves forward with $200K study in Pelham
Reading time: 4 minutes
Pelham is one step closer to transforming the former Oak Mountain Amphitheatre site.
The 40-year-old amphitheatre was demolished in May 2025 after the city bought the 43-acre property from Live Nation to expand the Pelham Arts & Entertainment District.
During a special meeting on Thursday, July 30, the Pelham City Council unanimously passed a resolution to approve a consulting agreement with GenRev Properties for the ReAmp initiative.
In simple terms, the city is giving itself about six months to figure out what’s actually buildable and what it would cost.
What Pelham’s $200K agreement with GenRev Properties covers
Under the agreement, Pelham will cover up to $200,000 in initial predevelopment costs:
- $30,000 in consulting fees ($5,000 per month across the 180-day period)
- $100,000 for FEMA hydrologic and hydraulic modeling regarding a proposed access bridge over Bishop Creek
- $70,000 for geotechnical assessments, ALDOT coordination, architectural planning + economic feasibility modeling
GenRev Properties has retained Williams Blackstock Architects and TTL Civil Engineering to lead initial site planning, design and engineering work.
City officials noted that the agreement does not obligate Pelham to convey land, offer development incentives or sign a final construction agreement.
“Before we decide what may be built, we need to fully understand what is possible. GenRev will help us identify the property’s opportunities and challenges and give the city council the information it needs to make thoughtful, informed decisions. This is about advancing Pelham’s vision in a careful and responsible way.”
Rick Wash, Mayor of Pelham
What is planned for the Oak Mountain Amphitheatre site in Pelham
The former amphitheatre site covers 43 total acres, with approximately 11.5 buildable acres located outside the Bishop Creek floodway, along with a commercial outparcel on Highway 119.
GenRev principal John Benner said site preparation will require bringing in fill dirt to elevate additional land out of the floodway. The development team is also evaluating direct access into the site from Highway 119 via a new bridge across Bishop Creek.
The scope outlines a multi-phased commercial, retail and entertainment destination. Planned components include:
- No residential units on the 43-acre site
- A city-owned public park and green space
- A lake or pond accompanied by walking trails
- Shared parking to support events at the adjacent Pelham Civic Complex and Ice Arena
While traditional hotels and motels are ruled out, Mayor Rick Wash noted during the press conference that a boutique bed-and-breakfast concept serving as a gateway to Oak Mountain State Park could be considered.
Why GenRev Properties is leading the ReAmp development
Pelham chose GenRev Properties to lead the ReAmp initiative due in part to the firm already having deep roots right next door to the amphitheatre site.
GenRev principals John Benner and Wilson Moore bring prior local experience in Pelham. The firm co-developed The Canopy at Oak Mountain directly adjacent to the site, bringing in tenants including:
- Big Bad Breakfast
- Taco Mac
- Mountain High Outfitters
- Coosa River Cycles
- Edgar’s Bakery
- Waldo’s Chicken & Beer
- Bullet Coffee
Addressing the decision to exclude housing from the site, Benner said surrounding residential developments — such as the Oakmont project on State Park Road — provide the customer base needed to support retail without placing housing directly on the 43 acres.
Benner also characterized the amphitheatre’s departure as a positive long-term outcome for the city, noting that the venue generated peak business only eight to ten nights a year while creating significant traffic congestion along the corridor.
ReAmp project timeline + construction dates for Pelham
The feasibility and due diligence period will run six to eight months.
Following completion of the studies, formal master development agreements will be presented to the Pelham City Council between 2026 and 2028.
Site work and construction are targeted for 2028 and beyond.
