In An Abandoned Mine In Newberry, Visions Of A Grand Amphitheater For Multi-Day Festivals

Greg Hembree pointed to a large, shallow pit in the middle of 230 acres of forest and grassland off State Road 26 heading west out of Newberry.

Hembree, a developer and an owner of the land, said the pit is an abandoned phosphate mine dating back to the 19th century. Calling it “a developer’s dream,” he talked about a $3 million plan to turn it into a grand amphitheater that will draw crowds of close to 30,000 to multi-day music festivals, electronic dance events, and assorted “cultural experiences.”

Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe said in a Facebook post that it promises to be the “most unique outdoor amphitheater in the U.S.”

Plans call for Thee Mine, as Hembree said it would be named, to include lights synchronized to music, a kids’ lagoon pool with a water slide, a fire pit, a large field for all-terrain vehicles, 150 hammocks for people to “get away from the action,” and a beer garden.

Hembree said that, in addition to the amphitheater, five or six other stages are planned, as is a zip line system for quick travel around the site. There would also be a nature trail, as the developers want to preserve the natural elements of the property, like its towering oak trees and animal life.

The mine has a pond at one edge. According to Hembree, it will be surrounded by a rock-lined walkway. It will also be used to project holograms, which look “clearer and more defined” over water, he said.

“It’s really going to be unique,” Hembree said.

Hembree said Newberry’s planning and economic development department has been working enthusiastically with him and the land’s other owner, Pat Post.

City Manager Mike New said none of the city’s departments had voiced opposition to the plan, but residents had concerns about traffic and noise.

“We’re supportive but also mindful of those things,” he said.

Hembree said the finished project would be similar to Red Rock, an amphitheater carved into rock in Morrison, Colorado. Thee Mine, however, would be different because it would be on property that started as man-made, but was then “kissed by nature,” he said.

Hembree said the amphitheater’s main stage will be on one side of the mine, and there would be standing room for about 29,500 spectators. Rock-lined platforms along the perimeter will be turned into terraces, which can be rented by clubs and organizations. The area surrounding the mine, which was once a tobacco farm, is part of the property and would be included in the venue.

Plans call for 5,000 parking spots, Hembree said, and 150 recreational vehicle camping spots. Visitors would also be able to stay overnight in tents or rented tiny houses, as seen on HGTV.

Hembree said every component of the theater would be movable.

“There will be no buildings on site,” he said. “We don’t want to box ourselves in. We want to be able to pick everything up and move it around if we need to.”

The only permanent part would be the stage, which he said would be constructed after the first few concerts. Before then, a portable stage would be used.

So far, Hembree said, the land has been flattened, the trees have been fertilized and more grass has been planted. He and Post anticipate trucks to roll in with the portable features in the months leading up to a trial run, a two-day concert in September or October.

State Road 26, a two-lane road, is used by commuters from Gilchrist and Gainesville, according to Bryan Thomas, Newberry’s director of planning and economic development.

Thomas said traffic will be monitored at the amphitheater’s first big show. Hembree said he and Post have drafted safety and traffic plans and discussed potential issues with the Florida Department of Transportation.

Hembree also said engineers created a sound plan for the venue that abides by city code.

According to New, Hembree and Post obtained a permit for the test run. The city would work with the owners on “anything negative” that needed to be adjusted, he said.

New said Hembree and Post offered Newberry the venue for its West Fest, in celebration of the city’s 125th anniversary.

“Our position is not to throw up ten road blocks and show you why that’s not going to work,” said New. “We are here to be enablers. We are not here to oppose what people want to do with their property.”

New said Hembree and Post will apply for a permanent permit after the test run. The city will evaluate what needs to be altered or fixed.

Even after the test run, New said the city will continue monitoring the venue to make sure it’s maintaining a “harmonious relationship” with its neighbors.

“This music venue will be a big thing for Newberry,” said New. “But if it fulfills the developers expectations, it will have regional impact.”

New said if the project is successful, there will be opportunities for commercial developments to open up in the area, which would have a positive impact on Alachua County.

Thomas said the project could have a good economic impact.

“You get a tremendous number of people coming in to your area from the outside and they stay, spend money and enjoy themselves,” he said. “We think this has a lot of potential to be a special location for pretty large acts.”