politics
Kennedy Center Board votes to close facility for construction
The Kennedy Center’s Board of Trustees voted Thursday to close the performing arts center to proceed with a planned two-year renovation, bucking concerns from preservationists and Democrats who fought to keep the center open.
TL;DR
- The Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees voted to close the main building for a two-year renovation.
- This decision follows President Trump's earlier directive to close the facility for renovations.
- The board also voted to rename the building after President Donald Trump.
- The REACH wing will remain open for performances and as a memorial to John F. Kennedy.
- A previous court ruling by Judge Christopher Cooper had blocked the closure and renaming due to insufficient information and a failure to consider statutory obligations.
- The renovations will address structural issues including water damage and aging infrastructure.
- The projects are funded by $257 million from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
- The board's decision will be presented to Judge Cooper for his opinion.
- An appeals court had previously upheld Cooper's decision.