Chicago-based Boeing gives Kennedy Center $20 million for expansion

WASHINGTON — Aerospace giant Boeing Co. is giving the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts $20 million toward the center’s expansion project.

The Kennedy Center announced the gift Wednesday from the Chicago-based company.

The center broke ground on the $100 million project in late 2014 and expects to begin active construction this fall.

Officials say they plan to open the addition in the fall of 2018.

It is the first major expansion since the center opened to the public in 1971. It will include rehearsal, education and event and performance spaces.

Associated Press