Alvin H. Butz, Inc. has been awarded the construction contract for a new amphitheater at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Kempton.

The project includes an outdoor classroom and American With Disabilities Act trail from the amphitheater to the Visiting Center.

The construction project is Phase II of Hawk Mountain's "School in the Clouds" Campaign. This portion of work is estimated to cost $2 million for the walkway and amphitheater, and includes funds for a maintenance endowment.

"We felt that Alvin H. Butz, Inc. was the right construction manager to help us realize the second phase of our four-phase plan to improve Hawk Mountain and better educate the region on the importance of conserving birds of prey," said Jerry Regan, President of Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

The amphitheater will seat 250 people and include a covered stage with sound and lighting. Natural materials that blend with the surrounding woods and other "green" features will be incorporated.

"We were impressed with Alvin H. Butz and their willingness to protect the natural surrounding and follow guidelines in the Hawk Mountain Land Management Plan," said Regan.

"For example, all subcontractors must be trained on environmental sensitivity and extra care will be taken to ensure no native plantings or trees are damaged unnecessarily," he said.

The project, to start in November, is expected to be completed in five months, with completion in Spring 2015, pending funding.

"Alvin H. Butz, Inc. commends Hawk Mountain for their commitment to the conservation of birds of prey," said Greg Butz, President and CEO of Alvin H. Butz, Inc.