South Florida Sun-Sentinel (Sunday)
Kravis Center receives $10M donation for expansion project
If you’ve been to a performance at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in West Palm Beach recently, it’s easy to spot portions of its renovation and expansion project that have been unveiled — from lighted signage, landscaping and a waterfall feature to a new valet parking garage.
And now the center’s new urban plaza will have a name, thanks to a $10 million donation by the Raymond and Bessie Kravis Foundation to the Kravis 2020: The Future is Now capital campaign.
“We are extremely grateful to the Raymond and Bessie Kravis Foundation for making this extraordinary gift to support the center’s expansion project,” Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts Board Chairman Jeffrey Stoops said in a statement. “Throughout the years, the Kravis family has continued their parents’ legacy of supporting the center through its foundation. Their steadfast commitment has played an important role in contributing to the cultural well-being of the community and in introducing us to artists who have not previously appeared in Florida. We are truly grateful that the family has continued such an outstanding tradition of support for the center and its mission.”
The pedestrian-friendly area opening onto Okeechobee Boulevard, which will be named The Kravis Family Plaza, is just one part of the overall plan to enhance the customer experience before, during and after performances for over 500,000 people who visit the Kravis Center each year.
“My family and I have always valued the transformational power of the arts and what they can inspire, greatly exemplified by the center’s significant influence in the South Florida region. It is our great pleasure to help the center continue to expand upon this work, furthering its mandate as a cultural center and educator in the community,” Henry Kravis, on behalf of the foundation, said in a statement.
In addition, 6,000 square feet have been added to the
Dreyfoos Hall Lobby with a bistro area and there will be a pedestrian-friendly plaza on the corner of Okeechobee Boulevard and Tamarind Avenue with an informational marquee.
The project, which is expected to be completed next summer, is designed by Leo A Daly and The Wantman Group (WGI) with construction by The Weitz Company. The Kravis Center Board of Directors unanimously approved a $50 million capital campaign to fund the project.
“We are so appreciative to the entire Kravis family for this extremely significant gift. Their generosity will help the center reach its goals to complete our expansion and strengthen our position as a premier performing arts center that provides outstanding service and experiences for all who attend. In recognition of this very meaningful and impactful gift, we are delighted that the new front plaza will bear the Kravis Family name,” Kravis Center CEO Judith Mitchell said in a statement.
Visit kravis.org/.