FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2006

Konrath Group selected for Music Hall renovation

Casting is complete for one of Kansas City's most exciting capital productions.

The City of Kansas City, Mo., has chosen the Kansas City-based Konrath Group to provide construction management services for the $14 million renovation of the Music Hall in downtown Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium.

"We're extremely pleased to have Konrath on board for this project," said Eric Bosch, city architect and manager of architectural services for the Capital Improvements Management Office. "The company has done exceptional work on City projects in the past, and they’re a great fit for the Music Hall."

CIMO is managing this project for the City's Convention and Entertainment Centers Department. The renovation, designed by Holtzman Moss Architecture of New York and Helix Architectural Services of Kansas City, calls for a 15-square-foot expansion of the stage which, along with backstage improvements and an updated rigging system, will allow the theater to host large-scale traveling performances previously beyond its capacity. In addition, the public access areas will receive extensive improvements such as re-aligned seating, accessibility upgrades and a new penthouse section.

"The Music Hall has been an outstanding asset to the city since its construction in 1936," City Manager Wayne A. Cauthen said. "The work done by Holtzman Moss, Helix and now Konrath will make it a world-class, state-of-the-art facility for decades to come."

Construction is slated to begin on the Music Hall in June, with an estimated completion date of spring 2007. Work will halt for performances of the Kansas City Ballet's staging of "The Nutcracker" in November.