The Rotary Club of Salem has chosen Dalke Construction of Salem as the general contractor for the Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater. Construction of the new Riverfront Park amphitheater is envisioned to begin in the first half of next year with completion later in 2020.
Rotary Club President Rus McCracken noted that Dalke is a highly regarded local business that will lead construction of the unique basket-weave structure, patterned after the open weave baskets used by the Native American Kalapuya who were historic occupants of the site.
“It is fitting that Dalke Construction, a local company celebrating its 100th year in business, should construct an iconic building that commemorates 100 years of community service by the Rotary Club of Salem,” McCracken said.
Dalke Construction President Larry Dalke expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead such a one–of–a–kind construction effort. “The Gerry Frank | Salem Rotary Amphitheater will be a landmark that will serve this community for generations. I got chills upon learning we will have an opportunity to build such an extraordinary project.”
CB Two Architects of Salem designed the performance stage and cover that will host a variety of entertainment and cultural events for the region. CB Two’s Kirk Sund commented, “Our firm is excited to work with the great team at Dalke Construction as they bring into reality our vision of Rotary’s legacy gift to Salem.”
Named in honor of Gerry Frank for his lifetime of service to Oregon and his 60 years of service as a Rotarian, the amphitheater will occupy the southeast corner of Riverfront Park near the Peter Courtney Minto Island Bridge.
For more information, or to donate to this community project, visit www.RotaryAmphitheater.com.
