Frontiere Pavilion at Cultural Park: Safeguarded Against Collapse Risks

The city of Sedona has released a consulting report regarding the Georgia Frontiere Performing Arts Pavilion at the Sedona Cultural Park. The assessment reveals that most of the structure is in good condition and suitable for restoration.

This inspection, conducted by Core Structure Group from Flagstaff on February 19, 2023, was presented to the city in March. Core Structure’s evaluation relied solely on a visual inspection, avoiding excavation or invasive methods.

According to the report, the glulam beams are experiencing deterioration that necessitates structural remediation. This issue affects the top two layers of lamination on some beams due to weathering. Glulam, or glue-laminated timber, is an engineered wood product made from several layers of smaller lumber pieces glued together.

Importantly, the level of deterioration doesn’t warrant a complete replacement of the affected members, nor does it eliminate the possibility of repurposing them for a new structure. The report also highlighted three missing bolts and partial deterioration of the spray foam waterproofing on the roof, which has caused patches of rot within the decking.

Despite these findings, the bolted splices at mid-span and the bolted hinged connections at the arch apex were deemed to be in good condition. However, the wooden subfloor of the stage requires complete removal and replacement, as remediation of the existing plywood is not feasible. The report noted that the steel components show no significant rust, and the foundations and concrete structures are in good condition without any observable extensive cracking or deterioration. There were no signs of significant foundation movement or failure.

Core Structure concluded that the amphitheater is not at risk of imminent collapse, recommending annual inspections if remediation is not performed within the next year. Moreover, the pavilion’s original architects, Dan Jensvold and Steve Thompson, along with builder Western Wood Structures, informed the city in March 2023 that the structure still has decades of potential usefulness, though the stage floor and roofing need immediate replacement.