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Richard Bolling Federal Building Plaza & Lobby

Information

Location Kansas City, Missouri
Size 15,400 SF
Completion 2004
Services Architecture
Project Type Federal

The Bolling Federal Building has been a prominent presence in downtown Kansas City, Missouri since it opened in 1964. BNIM was retained by the General Services Administration to improve the public perception of the building and to develop innovative design concepts in accordance with the “First Impressions” initiative to “improve the appearance and efficiency of GSA buildings.”

BNIM’s design addressed many program issues, including site and building security and creating a strong interior-exterior connection. This award-winning design is an example of how beauty, function and security can blend seamlessly into a single, inviting space. The new entry into the Bolling Federal Building, which includes a reflecting pool, provides a model for urban context and a paradigm for federal environments, where open, friendly spaces with “invisible” security impart a contemporary and uplifting impression to the public.

Guided in part by Patrick Moynihan’s, “The Guiding Principles For Federalist Architecture”, BNIM’s resulting design of the Bolling Federal Building enhances the connection to the site and to the public realm with a new entry experience.

Impact + Innovation

BNIM used new plaza components such as a fountain, planters, flagpole and light bollards to transform the entry experience of this 1960s era bunker-style building. The result is more inviting, while maintaining the security necessary after 9/11 terrorist attacks.

BNIM’s landscape designers worked with the design team to define the public place – defining the scale, detail, and massing of the plaza and entry pavilion. The project reconnects the building to the urban fabric of the city. The new pavilion, reflecting pool and plaza dissolves inside/outside boundaries and transitions the scale of the monumental building (1,000,000 sf) to the street level.

People

Team

Greg Sheldon
Steve McDowell
Kathleen Ayers
Monica Rodriguez
Shawn Gehle
Christopher Harlow
Craig Stevens
Rick Schladweiler

I am very seduced by this project. It is wonderful as an architectural thing. As an architectural project it should be commended. In an effort to respond to homeland security, this project does a spectacular job of creating a sense of place. Very sensitive in its use of material and proportion.

Rand Elliott, FAIA, Jury Chair (2003 Allied Arts and Craftsmanship Committee)

BNIM ‘s utmost professionalism and dedication shined throughout the project. BNIM helped facilitate the team to ensure the project met the overall budget and exceeded the project deadline. BNIM not only wants the job done correctly, but won’t stop until the customer is 100% satisfied. They go above and beyond the call of duty. It was my distinct pleasure to work with BNIM Architects on this project. I can proudly state the overall vision BNIM displayed with the 12th Street Entrance Project has made a lasting impression on the Richard Bolling Federal Building tenants.

Michael Kraxberger, Director of General Services Administration Public Building Service, Kansas City North Field Office