General Discussion

1990–2008

In fiscal years 1991 and 1992, Congress recommended that $27.7 million be allocated for capital improvement projects at the center, including $12 million for structural repairs to the garage and $15.7 million for structural and mechanical repairs, as well as projects for improving handicapped access.[31] In 1994, Congress gave full responsibility to the Kennedy Center for capital improvement projects and facility management.[32] From 1995 to 2005, over $200 million of federal funds were allocated to the Kennedy Center for long-term capital projects, repairs, and to bring the center into compliance with modern fire safety and accessibility codes.[32] Improvements included renovation of the Concert Hall, Opera House, plaza-level public spaces, and a new fire alarm system.[33] The renovations projects were completed 13 to 50 percent over budget, due to modifications of plans during the renovations resulting in overtime and other penalties.[34] Renovations to the Eisenhower Theater were completed in 2008.[35]

2013–2024

The Kennedy Center lights up in rainbow colors every year in the weeks preceding the annual Kennedy Center Honors.
Beginning in 2013, the center commenced an 60,000-square-foot (5,600 m2) expansion project on four acres (1.6 ha) in the center's South Plaza. The expansion added classroom, rehearsal, and performance space and includes three pavilions (the Welcome Pavilion, the Skylight Pavilion, and the River Pavilion), a reflecting pool, a tree grove, a sloping lawn to be used for outdoor performances, and a pedestrian bridge over Rock Creek Parkway.[36][37] The architect is Steven Holl,[37] with assistance from architectural firm BNIM.[38] Edmund Hollander Landscape Architects is the landscape architect.[39]

Plans for the expansion project began after David M. Rubenstein donated $50 million to the center.[38] A groundbreaking ceremony took place in December 2014. Originally estimated at $100 million, the project cost grew to $175 million, and design changes and a major D.C. sewer project significantly delayed construction. The expansion, entitled the REACH, opened on September 7, 2019, with an opening arts festival.[37][40][41] The fundraising goal for the REACH expansion grew to $250 million[42] as the project progressed, and the target was achieved just two days before opening. Since its opening, the REACH has received several design awards, such as The Architect's Newspaper's Best of the Year Award in the Cultural category and an Honor Award in the 2020 AIA New York Design Awards.[43][44]