The Chautauqua Institution’s Board of Trustees voted on Saturday to move forward and seek construction bids for its existing plan, which will result in the demolition of the historic Chautauqua Amphitheater and replace it with a replica. The following is a statement from Stephanie K. Meeks, president and CEO of the National Trust for Historic Preservation:

“This decision is regrettable and begins the path to demolishing an irreplaceable piece of American history and a crown jewel of the Chautauqua community. Despite evidence that the building is sound and that alternatives to demolition do exist, the Chautauqua Institution’s Board of Trustees chose to disregard the findings and recommendations of the historic preservation panel they created, the expertise of a structural engineer they hired, and the wishes held by so many in the community they serve. Preservation of the Amp and robust programming can and should co-exist at Chautauqua.”