Kansas City Ballet
Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity
The transformation of a dormant coal-burning power house into a vibrant, daylight-filled center for dance
![Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/06025_00_todd-bolender-center-for-dance-creativity_id13729.jpg)
Information
- Location Kansas City, Missouri
- Size 66,000 SF
- Completion 2011
- Services Architecture
- Project Type Performing Arts
The relocation of the Kansas City Ballet to the new Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity involved the preservation and adaptive reuse of the former Power House at Union Station. There is a strong parallel between the two dynamically different uses of the historic building. The original use for the building was the generation of steam and electricity from burning coal that powered Union Station, the surrounding rail yards, and buildings. The Kansas City Ballet creates the next generation of dancers through artistic energy and hard work of individuals that benefits the Kansas City community, demonstrating the power of dance. Six studios and a performance theater that seats 180 are large components of the program. Nestling beautifully in the northeast corner of the building, the 180-seat main professional studio theater is a soaring triple-height space brought to life by daylight from windows and views to the surrounding urban environment. The floor area of the studio theater matches the performance stage dimensions at the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts in Kansas City, Missouri. The Ballet’s new home also houses administrative offices, wardrobe, costumes and production areas.
Impact + Innovation
The challenge of creating an organized program diagram for the Kansas City Ballet within an existing historical building was welcomed by BNIM and resulted in creatively reusing existing structure and interior elements in new applications. The building was originally designed by architect Jarvis Hunt and was constructed from 1913-1914, representing an important era in Kansas City history and national historical significance as part of the Union Station complex. A predominant goal of this project was to restore the historic Power House to its original condition, as both the Kansas City Ballet and BNIM recognized the need to honor the building’s history. The design team meticulously replicated and restored features to adhere to the building’s original design, including huge expanses of existing windows which are restored and replicated to fit their historic design.
![Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/06025_00_todd-bolender-center-for-dance-creativity_id11577.jpg)
Process
The design process for the monumental task of transforming the Power House involved thoughtful integrated collaboration among the entire team of the client designers, preservationists, engineers, buildings, and project manager. From the outset, the design was also informed by meetings with the board, parent committees, professional dancers, and staff which provided greater insight into the needs of the new facility. It was through this process that the design evolved from a detailed space program and historic building into a new home for dance and creativity that offers a welcoming presence for everyone – students, dancers, staff, and parents.
People
Team
- Steve McDowell
- Rick Schladweiler
- Joshua Hemberger
- Julie Miller
- Robert Glinn
- Devan Case
- Gary Jarvis
- Barbara Cugno
- Mike Pollmann
- Celine Armstrong
- Valerie Frye
Client
Kansas City Ballet
![Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/06025_00_todd-bolender-center-for-dance-creativity_id10672.jpg)
![Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/06025_00_todd-bolender-center-for-dance-creativity_id11576.jpg)
Awards
Missouri Preservation
Preserve Missouri Award
2013
IIDA Mid America
Mid-America Design Awards – Best of Show
2013
IIDA Mid America
Mid-America Design Awards – Gold Award, Renovation & Restoration
2013
Architizer
Architizer A+ Award Finalist
2013
Architectural Record
Good Design is Good Business
2013
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
National AIA Institute Honor Award for Interior Architecture
2013
National Trust for Historic Preservation
National Preservation Honor Award
2012
KC Magazine
Design Excellence Awards – Historic Renovation
2012
Kansas City Business Journal
Capstone Award – Architectural Design
2012
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)
Project of the Year
2012
International Concrete Repair Institute (ICRI)
Sustainability Award
2012
ENR Midwest
Best Projects, Best Renovation/Restoration Project, Award of Merit
2012
Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri
Cornerstone Award – Arts
2012
Associated General Contractors of America (AGC)
Project of the Year Finalist, Building Excellence Awards
2012
AIA Kansas City
Honor Award
2012
AIA Kansas
Honor Award
2012
ICRI Great Plains Chapter
Project of the Year
2011
ICRI Great Plains Chapter
Historic Restoration
2011
Historic Kansas City Foundation
Excellence Award for Adaptive Reuse
2011
AIA Kansas City
Preservation Award
2011
![Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/06025_00_todd-bolender-center-for-dance-creativity_id11580.jpg)
![Todd Bolender Center for Dance & Creativity](https://www.bnim.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/06025_00_todd-bolender-center-for-dance-creativity_id11581.jpg)