Kauffman Center construction update Dec. 2007

Date: December 14, 2007

Author: Kauffman Center

A bird’s-eye view of the Kauffman Center shows considerable progress that isn’t readily noticeable from ground level. But it won’t be long before walls begin to emerge from the nearly completed foundations—and passers-by on the street will begin to take note.

According to Kyle McQuiston, project executive with JE Dunn Construction, “We began pouring concrete in April of 2007 and as of December 1st we have placed 10,000 cubic yards of concrete and two million pounds of rebar.”  As a result, the foundation work is nearing completion.

Underground work has begun in the central plant, enabling foundations and finished floors to be installed.  Elevated decks have been placed that will allow early mechanical and electrical work in equipment pits to take place.

And it won’t be long before we start seeing walls emerge above street level.  And what walls they will be!  Those close to the project expect people to be really surprised by the size of the facility.  “If the Kauffman Center and Bartle Hall were on the same ground elevation,” explains President and CEO Jane Chu, “the top of the Proscenium Theater would be just about as tall as Bartle’s artwork.”  McQuiston says that the construction team talks about it as the equivalent of a 10-story building.

The first elevation of walls has already been placed for fly tower of the Proscenium Theater.  This is the tall, backstage area where equipment like sets, scrims, lighting, and riggings can be suspended and “flown” (i.e. raised) when not needed.  The stage floor has already been put in place.

McQuiston says that work has been moving forward at a steady pace.  About 100 people are at work on the site now, including steel, concrete, mechanical, electrical and excavation workers.  

The construction of the anchor wall that supports the atrium glass structure is underway.  This wall will eventually contain 27 large steel embeds that are attached to cables holding up the concrete shells and holding down the glass of the lobbies.  Each embed weighs about 3,000 pounds, is approximately four-foot square and is made of three-foot plate steel.

Quite a bit of vital utility work has also begun.  At 16th Street you can to see the KCPL vaults that have been placed for main electrical gear and workers have begun bringing in city water and communications utilities from Broadway and 16th.