UMKC to Break Ground on Conservatory Expansion in September

The University of Missouri-Kansas City will break ground on its 35,000 square foot expansion to its conservatory building on September 23. Image courtesy of Helix Architecture.

Posted May 12, 2025

The University of Missouri-Kansas City will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new conservatory expansion, a 35,000-square-foot addition to the Olson Performing Arts Center.

UMKC announced it would break ground for the new building on September 23.

The new conservatory was first announced a year ago at the Crescendo in Concert performance at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center. The new space will increase performance, classroom and collaboration opportunities for students and the Kansas City community.

“This project isn’t just about bricks and mortar,” UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal said in a release. “It’s about creating a space worthy of our students’ talent. It’s about giving our faculty the tools they need to teach and inspire. And on the practical side, it’s also about building capacity – so we can welcome more students, more collaboration and more connection with the community.”

More classroom space will be added as part of the expansion, as well as the creation of a new minor in integrated performing arts. UMKC estimates the conservatory could increase enrollment by up to 40%. The expansion also aims to increase its outreach to K-12 students through its Bridges program. The expansion will increase the number of K-12 students served from 80 to 500.

The project will be constructed in two phases. Phase One includes the new 35,000-square-foot addition, which would house a large music ensemble performance and rehearsal space, two dance rehearsal rooms and an accessible black box performance space to be used by all three programs. Phase Two involves the renovation of current facilities, including White Recital Hall.