Courtesy of Hill Studio

Above is a rendering of what officials envision the amphitheater in Rocky Mount will look like.

ROCKY MOUNT -- The Rocky Mount Town Council took another step Monday toward developing a music venue to mark the town's spot on The Crooked Road, Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.

Planners from Hill Studio of Roanoke presented the town council with a preliminary architectural report laying out details of an indoor-outdoor amphitheater.

At the suggestion of musicians and residents, the proposed amphitheater includes dressing rooms, a warm-up room and storage, architect Hunter Greene said.

The stage would include lightweight, insulated panels that could transform the theater into an indoor facility. In that application, the stage would seat up to 200 visitors, and performers would use an area toward the back of the stage.

Situated at the bottom of Mary Elizabeth Park, the project would be built in two phases. The first phase would include the stage house and buffer trees along Randolph Street. The second phase would move the playground closer to South Main Street, on the other side of the tennis court. In its place would be an area for restrooms and vendors.

Using public input, planners also chose a name for the venue -- The Furnace -- because it was modeled after one of Rocky Mount's long-standing historic landmarks.

The old iron furnace off Old Furnace Road was built in the late 1700s or early 1800s, an example of the industry that played a critical part in Rocky Mount's development, Assistant Town Manager Matt Hankins said.

Where others see history, Greene said he saw what could serve as an influence for a future music venue.

The town is depending on fundraising to finance the project, Town Manager James Ervin said. Hill Studio estimates the project would cost $3.4 million, if built next year. If the decision is made to move forward, the town would work with Hill Studio to search for grant money through the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and other avenues.

"There's a saying that a recession is a great time to plan," Ervin said. There is not a timeline for the project right now.

Councilman John Lester said he originally had reservations about the project. Some residents still have reservations.

Barbara Hall addressed the council during its regular monthly meeting Monday about concerns she had with the project.

Representing some residents from Scott Street and Claiborne Avenue -- neighbors to the proposed amphitheater -- Hall said the noise, lights and lack of parking will diminish the quality of life for people who live nearby.

"We want to build an amphitheater so we can blast the neighbors out of our two remaining historical neighborhoods?" she said. "I find that absurd." She also questioned the cost to the town and the burden on taxpayers.

Hall stressed that she is not against the amphitheater.

"We're just saying this location is a poor choice," she said.

Mayor Steve Angle noted that the plans are preliminary and the public will have more chances to comment and make suggestions. Copies of the report are available for viewing in the town manager's office.

"This is just very, very preliminary," Angle said.