National Treasure

CHAUTAUQUA - Support for renovation, rather than replacement, of the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater gained further momentum this week.

The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced Tuesday its designation of the building as a national treasure during a press conference held in Buffalo, throwing its weight behind finding alternative means of making improvements to the 122-year-old structure, contrary to the institution's previously proposed project that would have constituted the demolition and construction of a new amphitheater on the site.

"The plan to demolish the (amphitheater) would tear at the heart of Chautauqua and compromise the historic character that many Chautauquans and visitors from around the country deeply value," said Stephanie Meeks, president of the National Trust, according to the Associated Press.

Pictured from left to right are Jay DiLorenzo, president of the Preservation League of New York State; Stephanie K. Meeks, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation; Peter Flynn, co-chairman of the Preservation Buffalo Niagara board; and Brian Berg, chair of The Committee to Preserve the Historic Amphitheater. The National Trust for Historic Preservation announced during a news conference Tuesday that the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater has been designated as a national treasure by the organization. Photos by Joe Cascio

Meeks is pictured above speaking to members of the audience about the national treasure designation for the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater. Pictured, at left, Flynn talks with attendees of the event about Chautauqua Institution.

The designation does not carry legal weight, but it falls in line with Chautauqua residents' concerns that the amphitheater is historically significant to the culture of the institution. During Tuesday's press conference, Meeks asked the leadership of Chautauqua Institution to work with preservationists in order to conserve an iconic building in which notable speakers and entertainers perform each summer.

The announcement comes one week after Chautauqua Institution President Thomas Becker announced his recommendation to the board of trustees that the decision on whether to proceed with its $33 million project to replace the structure with an updated model be tabled until the board's August meeting. Last year, leaders of the institution had proposed replacing the amphitheater to increase capacity, handicap accessibility and safety; but these plans were opposed by a coalition that includes preservationists, architects and Chautauqua property owners.

As a result of the strong criticism drawn by the project proposal, Becker said in a statement to institution members that a productive discourse between the institution and its community would be the best way to go about determining what course of action should be taken in the future.

"Following a detailed review of the project to date, it is clear from the public and private communications going back and forth between the institution and various members of the Chautauqua community that meaningful re-engagement of our various constituencies - especially those who are so passionate in their views, both positive or critical, about the (amphitheater) and its future - should occur; especially during the summer season and before we move forward," Becker said.

"It is clear to me that there has been a lot of communicating at each other, but not enough discussion with each other ... and (the amphitheater restoration project) is too important to (the institution's) mission not to get it right," he added.

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National Treasure