How two brothers built Birmingham’s new $46 million landmark in 11 months

Published On: August 13, 2025

It is not often that a business is asked to assist in creating a city’s showcase.

Skylines change as buildings come and go, but some buildings serve as hubs for community gatherings where people may make memories and improve their quality of life.

“It’s something you can share with your grandchildren,” Justin Drummond said.

Stone Building Co., owned by Drummond and his brother Brett, finished construction this summer on the $46 million Coca-Cola Amphitheater, a 9,300-seat venue located at 2350 15th Ave. North.

Over 700 workers, 8,500 cubic yards of concrete, and 650 tons of steel were needed for the project, which the company had 11 months to finish.

One day ahead of schedule, Drummond handed the project over to Live Nation, the manager.

When Justin and Brett purchased Stone Building in 2016, the company had already been operating for 33 years.

Since his first year of college, 41-year-old Justin Drummond has worked in the construction industry for 23 years.

Ultimately, he stated, “I get excited when I take a set of drawings and give someone a set of keys at the end of a project.”

The West Homewood Athletic Complex, some student housing at UAB, and the construction of a new scoreboard at Jordan-Hare Stadium were among the expensive and logistically difficult projects that Stone Building had previously managed.

However, the opportunity to construct the amphitheater came with a number of difficulties, including a demanding 11-month timeline, a complicated design, and the risks and benefits associated with a landmark project for Birmingham.

He remarked, “You don’t build amphitheaters every day.”

Not to mention the time during construction when you are aware that promoters have already started scheduling events, assuming the venue would be completed.

Nearly 30 performances, including Phish, T-Pain, James Taylor, Pantera, Nelly, Jason Aldean, and Hardy, have already been announced by Live Nation for the inaugural season of the Coca-Cola Amphitheater.

We get energized by projects like this. You sharpen your pencil because of it. He said that this has every element.

Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Studio 2H Design, and Generator Studio of Kansas City, Missouri, created the amphitheater.

Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport’s air path crosses the amphitheater, which made it difficult to position the 160-foot crane required to create the 65-foot stage structure.

In addition, the outdoor venue’s inherent characteristics mean that every day of inclement weather might have an impact on the final result and completion date.

Concrete must be poured along a slope in a coordinated manner for an amphitheater.

Thousands of feet of conduit were needed for drainage, lighting, and other technical requirements, as well as the wiring needed for performances.

After that, he explained, “you pour that concrete, and it all stacks on itself.” It has a cascading impact. The domino effect is how you get ahead in your schedule. We were able to advance early thanks to that.

The main stage, artist village, VIP club, concession, restrooms, bars, and administrative offices are all housed in eight multipurpose structures that make up the complex.

Additionally, there are several parking spaces, including two refurbished decks that were once a part of the Carraway Hospital grounds.

Additionally, Live Nation announced a collaboration with the nonprofit CultureCity, based in Birmingham, to transform the Coca-Cola Amphitheater into a venue that is inclusive of all senses.

According to him, this was not our largest job in terms of scope or cost. However, it was quite difficult.

What’s next for the business?

The Saban Center, a STEM and arts campus in Tuscaloosa, is expected to open in 2027.