Kansas City News Blog

When the Sprint Center was going up downtown, it seemed like bloggers and others were keeping everyone updated with rooftop cameras and running commentary. I'm not hearing the same sort of buzz about construction of the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which will be a much more dramatic building by the time it's done (if it ever actually gets done, but that's another story). Since it's basically across the street from Pitch headquarters, I decided to walk outside and take a few pictures for y'all.

First, here's what the Moshe Safdie-designed building is supposed to look like when it's finished:

I've always found that image a little disorienting, since it's supposed to be the view from downtown looking south. But I'd wager that more people -- such as everyone driving north on I-35 -- will see it from the other direction. That's the best view of the construction anyway:

From either direction, though, what's striking is how huge it's going to be.

At this point, you can see how tiers for the concert halls are shaping up:

This guy looks a little lonely on his cherry picker:
This view won't last, but it's kinda cool how Bartle Hall's "Sky Stations" sculptures, behind the construction, look like they're part of the building right now:
OK, that's the update for now. Maybe I'll snap a few more pics next month. Meanwhile, the Kauffman Center's Web site has a place where people -- other than these construction workers -- can "help bring Kansas City's world-class performing arts center to life" by making a donation.