First steel beams are installed

Date: December 17, 2008

Author: Kauffman Center

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 was a notable day for the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts as the first beams of the steel infrastructure went up in between the concert hall and the proscenium theatre.

Fifty steel installers, like those to the left who installed the first beam, will be added to the construction crews currently working on site.  This picture looks southeast, with corners of the concert hall lobby in the background.

The first sequences of steel installation will take place in the now-open area between the two halls.  Along with steel installation, additional concrete floors will also be poured at various levels.  This order of construction contributes to the strength and integrity of the structure.

This exciting next phase was documented by our photographer, David Riffel.  For even more photos, check out our online photo album.

The first steel beam is maneuvered into place, between the two halls.

Each steel beam is fabricated for its particular place in the steel superstructure.

With a lofty assist from the north tower crane operator, the beam is moved into place.

Considerable muscle power is needed to fit the beam into its particular spot, right it and bolt it into place. 

Two beams were in place by the end of the first day.  Steel installation will proceed over the next 12 months on the site.  Interior work, beneath the two halls, will move forward at the same time. 

After the central hall steel is in place, steel installers will begin to work on the concert hall.  The concert hall is on what is called a "critical path" so that, once overhead work is completed, interior work can move ahead simultaneously with steel work on the proscenium theatre.