ALABASTER – Efforts to secure funding for an amphitheater to be constructed in Alabaster’s Municipal Complex are underway after the Alabaster City Council authorized the submission of applications seeking up to $95,000 in grant money.

At an Aug. 5 meeting, the Alabaster City Council agreed to submit grant applications to the Alabama Historic Commission and the Greater Birmingham Community Foundation for the city’s proposed amphitheater project.

The city is seeking up to $20,000 from the Alabama Historic Commission and up to $75,000 from the Greater Birmingham Community Foundation. City administrator Brian Binzer said the amphitheater is expected to cost $150,000 or more, which means the city will have to match the grant funds.

The proposed location for the venue is on the lawn between City Hall and the Alabaster Senior Center. Binzer said the amphitheater would be used to host current annual events such as Jazz in the Park, Fall Fest and the Alabaster Farmer’s Market.

“It would be a great addition to that green space,” Binzer said. “We’re always looking for opportunities to add to our properties and to enhance the quality of life for residents.”

The grants won’t be awarded until the fall, possibly in October, according to Binzer. The city also has to hire an architect to design the amphitheater. Binzer added that the project falls in line with the city’s efforts to revitalize the Siluria area.

He said the city’s comprehensive plan, which was completed in 2015, put an emphasis on utilizing green spaces and revitalization, and this project is a part of the effort to meet the goals of that plan.

Binzer said the city hopes to be positioned to break ground on the project by spring 2020.