Goodwyn Mills Cawood receives Top Block Award

The Top Block Award was recently presented to Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC) for their design of the new Coca-Cola Amphitheater in Birmingham. Located within the Birmingham–Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC), the Amphitheater is a major addition to Birmingham’s entertainment landscape and a key component in the continued redevelopment of the surrounding district.

The project was nearly a decade in the making for the City of Birmingham. The design process took more than 18 months, while construction was completed in just 12 months to meet an opening date established by previously booked performers.

Designed to accommodate 9,300 patrons, the open-air amphitheater incorporates the natural hillside to create a venue that rises from the surrounding landscape. Its elevated position provides views of Birmingham landmarks, including the Vulcan statue, Protective Stadium, and downtown skyline.

The design also reflects Birmingham’s history and surroundings. Copper-toned metal panels reference the region’s red clay, while the overall color palette draws inspiration from the city’s industrial heritage and Red Mountain. Because the amphitheater borders an established neighborhood, sound studies were also an important part of the planning process to help minimize impacts on nearby residents.

Concrete block played an important role in meeting the project’s structural and aesthetic goals. The design team for GMC selected burnished-face concrete block for its finished appearance, durability, and load-bearing capabilities. By serving as both a structural component and a finished wall surface, the material helped simplify the building’s structural system while providing a clean, polished look that complements the exterior metal panels.

“Concrete block was a strong fit for this project because it delivers several things at once,” says Greg Magley, AIA, LEED. “It stands up to the heavy daily use of a large public venue, and because it matches the block at Protective Stadium, it also ties the venue into the rest of the BJCC campus.”

Durability was another key consideration for a venue that accommodates thousands of patrons and experiences significant daily foot traffic. Concrete block provides the strength needed for a high-use public facility while maintaining its appearance over time.

For the design team, the amphitheater’s setting is among its most distinctive features. Concertgoers can watch performances with downtown Birmingham in the background while aircraft make their final approach to the airport—an experience that reflects the venue’s connection to the city.

The Coca-Cola Amphitheater demonstrates how concrete block can contribute to a project’s structural performance, long-term durability, and architectural character while supporting the broader vision for a growing entertainment district.

Photos by Evan Joseph Studio courtesy of Goodwyn Mills and Cawood.