Three months after an arsonist destroyed Denver’s City Park bandshell, Mayor Mike Johnston announced plans to begin rebuilding the almost 100-year-old structure.

“The goal is to preserve the legacy and historic nature of the bandstand, while taking the opportunity to enhance and modernize the facility,” said David Flomberg, director of marketing and PR for City Park Jazz, in an email to The Denver Gazette.

The iconic 1929 structure that plays host to the City Park Jazz every summer was severely damaged in an arson incident on March 26.

Denver Fire Department investigators were unable to determine the suspect or suspects in the fire, an official confirmed with The Denver Gazette.

“For generations of Denverites, the bandstand was simply where you went to hear music in the summer,” Jay Homstad, senior director of preservation advocacy for Historic Denver, told The Denver Gazette previously.

The kickoff concert for the City Park Jazz went forward on June 8 with a makeshift stage after donors stepped up to help cover the extra costs.

City Park Jazz began 40 years ago as a “celebration of community,” a place for exclusively Colorado jazz artists to perform.

On Sunday nights during the summer, these artists take the stage for free concerts while thousands of Denver community members show up to enjoy.

Despite the massive loss of the bandshell, the jazz nights will go on this summer.

“Whether it’s posing for photos before prom, getting married or dancing with mom or dad during City Park Jazz, countless memories have been made at the City Park Bandstand,” Mayor Mike Johnston said in a Denver Parks and Recreation news release.

“It’s time to start making memories again. I’m deeply grateful to the many people who have donated and ensured that we will be able to begin the work of replacing it soon, and that we will do so without interrupting or delaying other parks projects in development.”

With the help of public donations, the remaining structure will be demolished in the fall and new construction will begin.

Mundus Bishop design company will take on the project. DPR will hold an event on Sunday for the public to meet the design team and ask questions, according to the news release.

“We’re committed to rebuilding a bandshell that reflects the cultural and recreational importance of City Park,” said DPR Executive Director Jolon Clark in the release.

“We expect the final result to accomplish these goals, which will ultimately be an upgrade. For instance, upgraded power and renewed focus on ADA accessibility for the stage,” Flomberg said.

The Denver Gazette asked the city about increased fire prevention or security measures for the new bandshell but did not hear back before this story published.

The new bandshell will be completed for the 2027 City Park Jazz season.

“The nonprofit festival’s resourceful organizers are setting up a temporary stage about 300 feet southeast of the destroyed bandstand with the help of Mighty Fine Productions,” according to previous reporting.

Added Clark: “We appreciate the community’s patience as we move as quickly and responsibly as possible to restore this beloved gathering place.”

For this season’s scheduling information, check out City Park Jazz.