KC Symphony's new performance hall would triple its capacity
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The future of 49th and Main. Image: Courtesy of Populous and the Kansas City Symphony
The Kansas City Symphony this week announced plans to build a new performance hall nearly triple the size of its current space, with a target opening in 2028.
Why it matters: The symphony is expanding its footprint with its own venue designed for specialty shows and capable of attracting midsized touring acts.
The big picture: The symphony will still call Kauffman Center home, but the new venue, planned for 4901 Main St. in Kansas City, will be designed for audiences of up to 4,600.
- Helzberg Hall, where the symphony typically performs, holds 1,600.
Zoom in: KC Symphony president and CEO Danny Beckley tells Axios they'll use the space for tech-forward, amplified shows — like their popular film with live orchestra performances.
- He says there is good demand for 4,000-to-6,000-capacity shows in cities like Denver and Cincinnati.
- Music and Event Management Inc., owned by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, will run the space and book its touring acts, including indie, hip-hop and jazz artists.
Between the lines: Beckley says the project will be funded through private philanthropy, partnerships, future revenue and limited public funding.
- The total cost has not been disclosed.
Context: The symphony has an agreement to buy the 4901 Main St. site from VanTrust, which purchased the land in 2014 and tore down the former U.S. Bank building there in 2022, per the Kansas City Business Journal.
- The empty lot now spans more than half a city block.
What they're saying: Isaac Lee Collins, who owns Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt & Chocolate nearby, says he's excited for new clientele and increased foot traffic, adding they will be welcomed "with open arms."
- Other business owners in the area said they either were excited or didn't know about it.
Yes, but: Roxanne Terry, who has lived in a home next to the site since 2021, tells Axios she's worried that a venue of that size, plus parking, won't fit.
- Still, she says, the concert hall will be better for the neighborhood than a vacant lot or empty office building.
The symphony says the existing site is big enough for its needs.
- "We are already actively engaged with surrounding neighborhood groups and intend to maintain a direct dialogue with the community."
What's next: The South Plaza Neighborhood Association will meet April 27 at 6pm at KC Public Library's South Plaza branch.