NATCHEZ, Miss. — The Natchez Preservation Commission has approved conceptual plans for an outdoor amphitheater by the old train depot on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River.
The commission also voted Wednesday to permit the placement of a historical marker on Silver Street by the river commemorating Revolutionary War hero Lafayette’s visit to Natchez in 1825.
Changes made to structures and landscapes in Natchez’ historic district must be reviewed by the commission to ensure they’re appropriate.
The proposed amphitheater is part of the restaurant and entertainment venue that movie producers Tate Taylor and John Norris are planning at the former train station on Broadway Street. They’re close to finalizing the lease for the city-owned property with hopes to have the restaurant open this summer.
The city’s nine-member Preservation Commission OKed the amphitheater’s concept, which must also be reviewed by the Mississippi Department of Archives and History before final approval. Architect John Weaver said the sloping, semicircular seating area will be at the south section of the depot property and be terraced up toward the public walking trail and river bluff’s edge. It’ll be designed to accommodate outdoor dining, with about 15 tables, and musical performances. Weaver noted a patio will also be built on the river side of the depot.
With the outdoor property being owned by the city, commission member Liz Dantone expressed hopes it won’t be “privatized” to allow just restaurant patrons and deny access for the general public.
A state-designated Mississippi Landmark, the former passenger train station was built around 1910-1915. Its exterior was renovated in 2016 by the city, but the building has remained an empty shell as the Natchez Board of Aldermen held up plans for completing the interior’s restoration. The board in December 2019 selected Norris and Taylor to pursue their plans for the depot. Lease negotiations have been underway since then.
The Preservation Commission’s approval of the historic marker commemorating Marquis de Lafayette’s visit to Natchez came at the request of the Historic Natchez Foundation. HNF executive director Carter Burns said this is in partnership with The Lafayette Trail, a national project to document, map and mark the French hero’s farewell tour of the United States in 1824-25.
The commission agreed to let the historic marker by placed next to the Silver Street gift shop. The panel had objected to the HNF’s original plan to erect it across the street at Bailey Park. Commission members expressed concerns about the posted plaque blocking the view of the river.
Hailed for his leadership and contributions in helping the country gain independence from Great Britain 1777-1781, Lafayette was considered a celebrity unlike anyone of that time. He traveled on the steamboat Natchez for his “Triumphal Tour”and stopped in Natchez April 1825 as he made his way up the Mississippi River visiting various cities, according to historical accounts.
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