Monday, May 22, 2017

What We Lost

Kiener Plaza 2011-12-24

These are old pictures of what used to be the west half of Kiener Plaza. There was an amphitheater surrounded by a collonade. The stage, below street level, was was in the middle of a wide brick floor that could contain, for example, the Kansas University band and cheerleaders. (Some phase of the college basketball playoffs was in town.) In back, there was an irregular waterfall flowing down concrete steps, a treat for local families during our hot summers.

It was a delight, and well used. I shot political demonstrations there, music performances and civic events. Apparently, the amphitheater did not fit the very flat plans of the new architects (see yesterday's lead picture). Losing it is the worst thing about the new Kiener Plaza.

KU Band At Kiener 1

Hispanic Festival 2012-09-08 17

Kiener Plaza Unoccupied 1

7 comments:

s.c said...

Indeed a remarkable change but time wil tell.

Pat said...

Agree with you...sometimes old is better (speaking for myself, ha, ha.)

Sharon said...

That is too bad.

Merry@Syracuse said...

Yes, that old space was very interesting. The running water was a special feature. Ed remembers with great fondness the statue of the runner. I love the old pictures.

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Oh I see what you mean now Bob.. that is indeed a shame to lose the amphitheater, that was a brilliant community space! We'll just have to wait and see how and if the new space gets used for similar events!

Bill said...

I like this old space better. It seems to have more character, the newer version looks like a blank space right now. Time will tell, it always does.

William Kendall said...

A radical difference. We shall see what becomes of the new version.