Portion of the Kennedy Center ceiling collapses, renewing calls to close for renovations
The ceiling collapse occurred around 5 p.m. on Friday in the main building, prompting the building to close for the evening. The portion of the ceiling fell in the grand foyer, which will remain closed through the weekend until repairs can be made. No one was injured when the ceiling fell.
The center’s Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi said in a statement that the incident should only amplify President Donald Trump’s calls to upgrade the building.
“Another example of the urgent need to close the renovation and revitalization, as our Chairman President Trump has championed,” Daravi said. “Fortunately, no one was injured when the main hall’s ceiling collapsed. This structural failure stems from decades of neglect deferred maintenance by the previous leadership, and there’s no justification to further delays in restoring America’s cultural center.”
The area in which the ceiling fell is the same place where Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), an ex officio member of the center’s board, posed for pictures on Wednesday.
Beatty has challenged the board’s plan to close the Kennedy Center for two years, arguing its initial decision was rushed and inadequately considered. A federal judge blocked that closure in May but left the door open for a new vote after a more thorough review, prompting the board to vote again in August after considering several renovation options, including remaining partially open.
Representatives for the Kennedy Center told the court that they would not be renaming the performing arts center the Trump-Kennedy Center, but would instead incorporate the president’s name in several other ways. Beatty then filed an emergency motion, claiming the actions still cross a line.
KENNEDY CENTER BOARD WILL HOLD OFF ON ADDING TRUMP’S NAME TO THE FACILITY UNTIL OCTOBER
The Department of Justice responded to the emergency order by saying that if the two-year renovation is not approved, the Kennedy Center will be demolished and turned into an amphitheater. DOJ lawyers later agreed to hold off on adding Trump’s name while a federal judge further deliberates the matter.
The renovations were initially recommended by the current executive director and former vice president of facilities at the Kennedy Center, Matt Floca. The construction will focus on various structural issues around the facility, including water damage, rusting steel, and over three decades-old industrial chillers.
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