Plaza Colonnade

Information

Location Kansas City, Missouri
Size 370,562 SF
Completion 2005
Services Architecture
Project Type Mixed Use

Plaza Colonnade is an innovative and successful public-private partnership comprised of commercial and institutional uses. The site, at 48th and Main in Kansas City, is positioned with dramatic views to the renowned Country Club Plaza mixed-use district and was previously occupied by a cherished, but structurally failing library. The new solution solved the fiscal and community needs of the library and neighborhood with a new mixed-use program. In addition to the Kansas Public Library’s Plaza Branch, the development includes nine floors of speculative office space, a seven-level parking structure and retail venues along a portion of Main Street.

Balancing a variety of needs and priorities, the design places a high degree of emphasis on the public realm through a series of elements that connect the project to the community, of which it is a vital part. They include an entry court and plaza, a colonnade linking diverse neighborhoods and a shared lobby space for library and office patrons. This innovative, public-private partnership required BNIM to work closely with city officials, private constituencies and the developer to make the project a reality.

People

Team

Craig Scranton
Laura Lesniewski
Steve McDowell
Doug Stevens
Scott Pashia
Ryan Warman
Gregory Goss
Anilkumar Panchal
David Grimes
David H Bell
Thomas Knittel
Stephen Siebenmorgen
Erick Bosco Herrera Anguizola
Jenny Wang
Andrew Short
Erik Heitman
Eric Morehouse
Bryan Gross
Aralia Sendejas
Kristin Long
Robert James
Audrey Voorhies
Michael Fisher
Jennifer Isom
Amy Hattery
Robin Dukelow

Client

Copaken Brooks

Over the past two and half years we have been worked closely with BNIM on the Plaza Colonnade project. This is a mixed -use development with over over 275,000 square feet of office space, a new public library, and a small retail component. Our relationship with BNIM, from design of the project, through construction administration, has been first rate. They have been responsive to our desires of the design of the building as well as the day-to-day contact with the base building construction. BNIM has been responsive to the tenant’s requests but has kept the interests of the developer clearly in mind. This situation has been a good experience.

Jack Fox, Director of Development, Highwoods Properties

While working with BNIM on the Plaza Colonnade project it was clear that they had a very thorough understand of high-rise buildings with a multi-tenant function combined with outstanding design skills. The project required the joining of a public Library facility with a multi-tenant office building above, creating several complex issues related to identity, security, and functional separation—all of which were solved within an especially beautiful and functional design. They are adept at providing solutions that respond to the complexities of program and the sensibilities of budget. They work collaboratively with their clients to satisfy needs and concerns, while providing the highest level of design and management leadership.

Jon Copaken, Director of Development, Copaken White and Blitt