Symphony Park renovations delayed, costs rise. Here’s the latest on the plans
Symphony Park in south Charlotte — home of the popular Summer Pops series by the Charlotte Symphony — will be renovated later than expected and at a higher cost than anticipated.
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After a prolonged design process delayed the initial estimate of this summer, Symphony Park renovations are expected to begin in mid-fall. Following the 12-month construction period, the park would re-open in mid-fall of 2027.
Construction was partially delayed due to soil conditions on the site needing additional analysis before applying for permits, according to Adam Rhew, CEO of SouthPark Community Partners, a nonprofit overseeing the park renovations.
“We shifted the timeline by really just a few months, and ultimately what that did was give us the time to make sure that we designed a project that we were confident we could build,” Rhew said.
He said he anticipates a price increase from the original $21 million estimate that was made a year ago. Since the project is out to bid now, Rhew didn’t have updated numbers to share.
The project is funded by three sources: $8 million from the city of Charlotte, $8 million from Simon Property Group, the owner of SouthPark Mall, and $5 million raised from the private sector by SouthPark Community Partners. The nonprofit has raised $3.1 million of its $5 million so far.
Rhew said he doesn’t think cost changes will further delay construction. ”I feel confident that we’re going to be able to have the financial resources necessary to complete the project as planned,” he said.
Simon Property Group is using its $8 million to lead the development of two restaurants that will be in Symphony Park. The group is in conversations with potential tenants and could follow a different construction timeline, according to Rhew.
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Parkgoers can expect aesthetic and functional additions to the space once renovations are complete.
Construction plans include adding to the three-mile SouthPark Loop urban trail, with two pedestrian bridges that lead people over an already-present pond.
The renderings also show increased seating and landscaping, along with a play area and adjacent public restroom building. The space currently has a band shell that will be upgraded, as well.
Rhew said the goal is to build a space for the Charlotte community to gather.
The new space is intended to hold free community programming, with potential activities including sunrise yoga, farmers markets, family movie nights, nonprofit events and cultural festivals.
Rhew, who grew up in SouthPark, said he remembers going to Symphony Park after its opening in the 2000s to see a Charlotte Symphony Summer Pops show.
“That space is emotionally resonant for me. And now I have the opportunity to help create and steward a space that I’ll get to bring my children to, and that future generations of Charlotteans will get to benefit from,” he said.
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“That’s a big responsibility, and one that our team takes really seriously.”
