The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts receives $50 million expansion

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach Fla., is set to receive $50 million worth of upgrades that will increase the size of the center and make it more user-friendly.

Upgrades include increasing the size of the Dreyfoos Hall Lobby, implementing new technology throughout, creating a pedestrian-friendly plaza, adding a new valet parking garage, building a new entrance/exit ramp to the existing parking garage, and improving traffic flow on and around the campus.

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The lobby expansion will see the glass curtain wall extended out by 30 feet. This will add 6,000 sf to the Dreyfoos Hall Lobby, providing more room for guests and reducing wait times at the bar, bistro, and other service areas. The expansion will include additional seating and restrooms.

Courtesy Leo A Daly.

The new valet parking garage will reduce traffic congestion and improve safety around the Center. It will be located on the east side of the building on the site of the former Amphitheater. Meanwhile, the new entrance and exit ramp to the self-parking garage will offer guests an easier way to access the fourth and fifth levels and improve traffic congestion in the garage as a whole.

The new pedestrian urban plaza will provide a park-like space that gives guests easier access to the Center. The area will feature expanded sidewalks, a bike path, and a waterfall fountain.

Courtesy Leo A Daly.

Technology improvements throughout the Center include closed-circuit video monitoring of the garage and entire campus; updated marketing, Box Office, and public information technology; the installation of a barcode system for tickets for ease of entry and improved security; electronic wayfinding; and additional security screeners at venue entrances.

Leo A Daly designed the design-build project with the Weitz Company serving as the general contractor and the Wantman Group providing landscape design. Construction began in May 2018 and is slated for completion in 2020.

Courtesy Leo A Daly.

Courtesy Leo A Daly.