First in line for the Nelson is a new parking garage, to be followed by a sizeable expansion to the gallery. The parking garage is expected to be finished next year and the addition by 2005.
Even the plans for the parking garage are impressive. A reflecting pool will be built over the garage, to be located outside the current and new doors at the north end of the museum. There will be 27 glass lenses placed in the bottom of the pool and light filtered through the pool will be cast into the parking garage.
The main entrance to the museum will be located at the addition's north end. The new wing will consist of 140,000 sf and have glass lenses there as well, which will rise above ground to provide light and connection to the existing sculpture gardens.
The addition, which will be attached to the east side of the existing gallery, will descend down a slope, with four-step stairways connecting it to other exhibit areas. The cost for the new wing is expected to be about $115 million.
In an update on the museum, Tom Nelson, with the Kansas City firm of Berkebile Nelson Immenschuh McDowell Architects reflected on the design.
"Incredible geometry, incredible light are the design trademarks of Steven Holl," Nelson says. Holl is the New York architect that was chosen for the new expansion. "He is one of the most influential architects practicing today. He's truly a creative and intellectual genius."
The Nelson was built in 1933. It was the constructed under the direction of William Rockhill Nelson, owner of the Kansas City Star newspaper. A $200-million endowment is being raised to help pay for the cost of the improvements.
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