The Phoenix New Times reports a new park will be unveiled in early 2018 in the Melrose District of Phoenix.

The 11,000-square-foot lot in the Alhambra neighborhood, dubbed The Lyceum, was conceived by local artist Perry Allen. The park will include a small stage meant to encourage spontaneous performances by community members as well as ample seating and lighting for evening events. Landscaping will include drought-friendly trees and plants. 

Inspired by his time at an artist residency in Sacramento, Allen sought to provide a place for social gathering akin to The Lyceum Movement of the 19th century, in which public places were created for speeches and entertainment. After several sketches he took the idea to a local neighborhood association and the proposal eventually grew to involve The Community Alliance of Seventh Avenue (CASA), the Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department, and Clear Channel Outdoor.

CASA has since partnered with Norris Design to create the look of the park, which will cost between $80,000 and $85,000 to finish.

While the details are being hammered out, Allen remains focused on the experiences people will have in this new space. “I hope the spontaneous birth of expression takes place there,” he explained. “I’m just so excited to see what people make with the space.” 

Construction will begin this month with an expected completion time and grand opening set for February 2018.