Designed by architect Rafael Vinoly, the institute building will include a replica of the Senate Chamber where Edward Kennedy served for 47 years. The Institute will be located on the UMass Boston Campus, adjacent to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. The overall site plan has been designed to work in harmony with the UMass Boston campus, the JFK Library, and the Columbia Point waterfront.
The institute will feature lobby space, museum space, a representation of the senate chambers, three classrooms, an archives library and research area, archival storage, office space, conference facilities and a gift shop.
Construction of the building is scheduled for completion in mid-2014. The facility will also be designed and operated with sustainable practices, and will aim for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
The project will be financed with $60 million raised by planners in private donations and pledges and $38 million in federal funds.
