Manistee, Michigan
Great Lakes Amphitheater Market & Financial Feasibility Study
The City of Manistee, host to several festivals, concerts, and community events, needed an up-to-date, permanent outdoor venue. The City hired Hunden Partners to conduct a market and financial feasibility study as part of the process of moving forward. Hunden presented recommendations and also provided financial and impact projections for relevant scenarios that informed the City’s next steps.
Situation
Hunden Partners was engaged by the City of Manistee to complete a market demand and financial feasibility study for the proposed Great Lakes Amphitheater. The city hosted numerous festivals, concerts, and community events each year; however, its existing venues were outdated or temporary.
Approach
The study evaluated the feasibility of developing a modern, permanent outdoor venue to accommodate current programming and capture future demand. Hunden’s final analysis provided recommendations that addressed:
- Whether a new outdoor performance venue was feasible and the reasons why
- The seating capacity required to attract entertainers and venue operators
- Programming and the anticipated number of events per season
- Amenities needed to compete successfully in the marketplace
- Opportunities for nonprofit and community use during the offseason
Hunden developed financial and impact projections for two scenarios: a smaller, community-oriented venue with manageable operating costs, and a larger, commercial venue requiring greater public investment.
Impact
Following the study, the City adopted Hunden’s recommendation to pursue the smaller, community-focused concept. The Project continues to advance through planning and fundraising efforts led by the Manistee Amphitheater Foundation.
