Lawsuit filed over Kennedy Center shutdown and renovation plans

WASHINGTON (7News) -- A coalition of preservation and architectural organizations filed a lawsuit on Monday morning challenging planned changes tied to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The lawsuit, led by the DC Preservation League and several cultural heritage groups, seeks to block any major construction, demolition or renovations at the Kennedy Center that they argue would violate federal law. According to the filing, the group is asking the court for declaratory and injunctive relief to stop the Kennedy Center's Board of Trustees and President Donald Trump from moving forward with significant changes to the site. RELATED | Kennedy Center to shut for 2 years after July 4 as repairs planned, board says Earlier this month, the board of directors voted to close the center for two years after this summer's July 4 celebrations, citing the need for extensive repairs to the facility. Trump, who serves as chairman of the board, said the closure would allow improvements that keep the venue among the world's top performing arts institutions. The coalition argues that any large-scale work -- including demolition, new construction, major reconstruction or aesthetic transformations -- must go through required federal oversight and approval processes. Specifically, the lawsuit calls for compliance with reviews by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. The lawsuit asks the court to block any activity unless those requirements are met and approvals are secured.