A striking piece of architecture is set to transform the downtown Kansas City skyline forever. One of the world’s leading architects is designing a $326 million performing arts center to be built in the heart of Kansas City’s downtown district.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will be located south of the Kansas City Convention Center, between Broadway and Wyandotte and 16th and 17th streets on a 17.5-acre lot donated by the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation. The philanthropic organization considered several sites in the metro before buying the land from the family of Texas billionaire Ross Perot. The foundation chose the site because of its central location, freeway access and dramatic setting.
Internationally recognized architect Moshe Safdie was selected to design the facility. Two other members of the design team are also internationally recognized leaders in their fields: Yasu Toyota of Nagata Acoustics and Richard Pilbrow of Theater Design Consultants.
The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts will host performances of the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera and a number of other art organizations. The 316,000-square-foot facility will contain two primary spaces: a 1,800-seat performance hall for theater, ballet and opera, and a 1,600-seat music concert hall. In addition to the two main performance halls, a multipurpose facility called Celebration Hall is being built to accommodate up to 400 people for children's art programming and also play host to intimate artistic and entertainment performances.
As of January 2007, 78 percent of funds needed have been pledged, including $80 million from the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation and $25 million each from the Julia I. Kauffman Donor Advised Fund and the Ewing M. Kauffman Donor Advised Fund. The City of Kansas City, Missouri, has committed $47 million for two parking garages. The Missouri Development Finance Board approved $25 million in Missouri State Tax Credits, which will raise $50 million for the project.
Groundbreaking for the project took place in October 2006. The performing arts center will be adjacent to the Convention Center ballroom, as well as the new downtown entertainment district, the Power & Light District, both scheduled for completion in 2007.
Currently under construction. Directly adjacent to the Accardo Arts TIF District.
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
$326 Million