A new era has officially begun at Sherman's Park. On Saturday, June 13, 2026, TRW joined the Caroga Arts Collective, project partners, and community members to break ground on a transformative new amphitheater and stagehouse. This highly anticipated groundbreaking ceremony marks a major milestone in the revitalization of this beloved waterfront destination.
Serving as the design architect for the Caroga Arts Collective, TRW is guiding the master plan and architectural execution to help realize the vision of a world-class arts and community campus. The event celebrated the first major step in breathing new life into the former amusement park, setting the stage for future generations of musicians, artists, and audiences.
Designing a Sustainable Future, Rooted in History
The design of the new performance hall is deeply informed by the site's rich legacy. Built on the footprint of the original 1920s Sherman's Amusement Park, the venue honors the property's historic character while integrating cutting-edge acoustic architecture and modern, sustainable features. For generations, the venue has been a mecca for music, hosting iconic performers such as Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Under the stewardship of the Caroga Arts Collective, that legacy has continued to grow, with recent performances by The Voice winner Sawyer Fredericks, jazz sensation Matthew Whitaker, guitar virtuoso Cory Wong, Grammy-winning songwriter Sarah Jarosz, and members of Generation Radio.
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Working closely with construction partner Consigli, TRW has designed a state-of-the-art, 4,200-square-foot Lakeside Stagehouse that meets the highest standards of environmental stewardship and functional performance. The design features high, striking rooflines that echo the beauty of the Southern Adirondacks. It also involves intricate technical engineering, including the drilling of geothermal wells, to complement the cutting-edge performance technology and acoustics indoors.
The amphitheater's orientation deliberately opens sightlines toward Caroga Lake. This design choice creates a breathtaking backdrop for performers through the upstage wall and allows audiences enjoying the water to experience the energy of live performances. The adjoining spaces, which include dedicated green rooms and a climate-controlled piano room, are crafted to provide an unparalleled sound experience for patrons while maintaining excellent hearing conditions for world-class performers.
A Catalyst for the Community
Realizing this campus vision is a highly collaborative effort that represents years of planning. The Lakeside Stagehouse serves as the first phase of an overarching amphitheater project that represents a nearly $25 million investment in the community. When complete, it will act as a significant driver for the regional economy.
This milestone was made possible by the shared commitment of the Caroga Arts Collective, the design and construction teams, and the generous support of the local community, as well as unprecedented support from the New York State Council on the Arts and the Empire State Development Corporation. Over the next several months, the construction team is committed to bringing this vision to life safely, sustainably, and with the highest level of craftsmanship.
“We are honored to partner with the Caroga Arts Collective and Consigli Construction to help bring this vibrant vision to life,” said TRW Partner Mark Thaler. “The groundbreaking at Sherman's Park represents a profound investment in the cultural and economic vitality of the region. We look forward to seeing this historic site transformed into a premier destination for music, art, and community gathering.”
To learn more about TRW’s work with the Caroga Arts Collective and our approach to historic preservation and cultural facilities, visit our Cultural Projects Portfolio.