WASHINGTON, DC—At an event at the Economic Club here on Wednesday, Boeing Co. Chairman Jim McNerney surprised John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts chairman David M. Rubenstein with the news that Boeing was donating $20 million to the Kennedy Center Expansion project.

On July 9, the National Capital Planning Commission approved preliminary and final site and building plans for expansion of the Kennedy Center south of the current building. Plans call for 72,000 square feet of new space including three pavilions (Entry, Glissando, and River) that will provide the Kennedy Center with new performance space, rehearsal space, and classrooms. In addition, 130,000 square feet of new landscaping will be added.

The Kennedy Center Expansion will offer space where visitors can more actively engage with artists, while also creating new and much-needed rehearsal, education, and multi-use indoor and outdoor event and performance spaces. 

The design and construction costs for the expansion project will be paid for entirely with private funds. Kennedy Center Chairman Rubenstein previously provided a lead gift of $50 million. Updated information on the capital campaign and the project cost will be announced later this year, Kennedy Center officials state.

The expansion is designed by Steven Holl and senior partner Chris McVoy of Steven Holl Architects of New York in partnership with BNIM Architects of Kansas City. Demolition and land preparation for construction are expected to begin in the fall.