Steel-signing ceremonies mark exciting next phase of construction

Date: November 20, 2008

Author: Kauffman Center

Much of the steel needed for the Kauffman Center is in Kansas City, ready to be brought on-site for installation.  In anticipation of this next exciting phase of construction, a special steel-signing ceremony was held the week of October 27.   Chairman Julia Irene Kauffman joined other Kauffman Center board of directors in signing a specially prepared beam, which will be installed in the eighth level mechanical room, in between the two halls. 

See our photo album of many who stepped up to add their name to the steel beam.

JE Dunn Construction Company, general contractors for the project, brought a beam to the construction site office at 1640 Baltimore and painted it white.  All members of the Kauffman Center board of directors and the center's donors were invited to drop by during the week to sign this special beam.

“The beam will be placed in one of the mechanical rooms,” said Jane Chu, president and CEO of the Kauffman Center. “Inviting our donors to sign it is just one more way we hope to connect the community to this incredible facility.”

Jan Kreamer, a member of the Kauffman Center board of directors and a donor, was pleased to add her name to the beam.  “This is an exciting phase of construction” said Kreamer said. “Having been a part of this project from the beginning, I’m really excited to see the steel skeleton take shape.  It will begin to define the building and demonstrate to this community that this truly phenomenal facility is a reality and soon will be enriching the lives of the entire community.” 

Dave Lady, seen signing the steel beam with Shirley Helzberg in the photo to the left, also found meaning in this activity.  “The signing of a steel beam placed solidly in the heart of the new Kauffman Center of the Performing Arts in downtown Kansas City has true significance.  Recognizing that each person’s handwriting is personal and unique, signatures of board members and donors collectively symbolize the unique contributions of so many to this project.”  Dave is President and Chief Operating officer of the Muriel McBrien Kauffman Foundation.

Leawood Mayor Peggy Dunn serves on the board and came to add her name to the beam.  “This is a truly regional project of which I am proud and honored to support,” Dunn said.  “It will be great to see people of all ages and from all part of the metropolitan area enjoying it in just a couple of years.”

Read a related article about the installation process for the gigantic steel infrastracture of the Kauffman Center.