COLUMBIA, Md. (AP) — Merriweather Post Pavilion is getting a makeover.

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman announced a $19 million plan Monday for improvements to the outdoor concert venue in Columbia.

The renovations planned over five years are set to begin after the current concert season. They include new seating, a raised roof around the main stage, new restrooms and concessions, new artist dressing rooms and even a new stage.

County officials say the plan leverages more than $30 million in funding by expediting the transfer of the venue to the Downtown Columbia Arts and Culture Commission.

Under a deal with the county and the commission, the Howard Hughes Corp. would finance the first half of the renovations and the other half would be financed through a loan to Howard Hughes by the commission.

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