What Can A $100M Expansion Do To Kennedy Center?

The National Capital Planning Commission approved preliminary and final site and building plans for the expansion of the Kennedy Center recently.

"NCPC approved preliminary and final site and building plans for expansion of the Kennedy Center south of the current building and commended the Kennedy Center for developing a well-integrated design. Plans call for 72,000 sq. ft. of new space including three pavilions (Entry, Glissando, and River) that will provide the Kennedy Center with new performance space, rehearsal space, and classrooms. In addition, 130,000 sq. ft. of new landscaping will be added," the Commission Action File Number 7523 reads.

The agency did not include in its action dated July 9, 2015 the review on the pedestrian connection to the Potomac Riverfront and the Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway Trail. It said that the Kennedy Center anticipates submitting this component in the fall.

The center, which is the nation's busiest performing arts venue, has a $100-million expansion plan. Earlier, it was planned to have a floating pavilion on the Potomac River, but this was rejected due to environmental concerns and controversy from the boating community, Curbed.com said.

In a report by Washington Post, it said that the privately funded project will involve the construction of three pavilions to house classrooms, rehearsal facilities and multi-purpose rooms for the center's educational programs. The project is expected to solve some of the most pressing space constraints for a facility that hosts some 2,000 performances each year.

The report added that Kennedy Center Chairman David M. Rubenstein will donate $50 million to the project, the single largest gift in the institution's history. Despite the big donation, the project is not considered the most expensive expansion project by a Washington arts institution in recent years. The report said that the 200,000-square-foot renovation of Arena Stage, completed in 2010, cost $135 million.