Kennedy Center's board threat to demolish the center : NPR

Key Points:

• The Kennedy Center board warned in a legal filing that the arts complex may be demolished if its $250 million, two-year renovation plan, which includes reinstating President Trump's name on the facility, is blocked.
• The board described the center as "embarrassing" and "poorly run," urging approval of the renovation to prevent further deterioration into an unsafe structure, with proposals including a new outdoor amphitheater.
• The dispute arises amid a federal lawsuit by Rep. Joyce Beatty challenging the board's plans to rename the center with Trump's name, which a judge previously ruled unlawful since only Congress can change the Kennedy Center's official name.
• The board's renovation plans, revealed in recent filings, involve consulting firms Delta Consulting Group and JLL, though it is unclear if these firms have experience with performing arts venues requiring specialized acoustics.
• An emergency hearing is scheduled to address the controversy, with the board stating the demolition scenario is hypothetical and criticizing opposition as partisan obstruction.