Zhou B Art Center

The project involved the transformative renovation and stabilization of the nationally-listed historic Crispus Attucks School, a formerly segregated school for African American students in Kansas City in the mid 20th century. The school was listed on the Kansas City Register of Historic Places in 1983 and on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 but had since become an endangered building in disrepair over recent decades. BNIM worked with renowned artists, the Zhou Brothers, to bring new life and purpose to the former Crispus Attucks School building, reflecting on its history and future within the 18th and Vine District. The historic district is where Kansas City’s African American community developed world-class contributions to jazz, baseball, and barbeque, leading to today’s designation of Kansas City as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.

The Zhou B Art Center provides expansive art galleries and over 40 studios for artists of all ages and backgrounds. The school’s existing spaces were reimagined, with former classrooms transformed into artist studios and the original gymnasium and auditorium revived as new galleries and event spaces. The former school playground has been transformed into a sculpture garden and outdoor event space.

The building’s main entrance is relocated into a new addition facing 18th Street for a stronger connection between the Art Center and the Jazz District. Permanent installations by the Zhou Brothers complement space for rotating exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists. Gallery spaces also serve as leasable event space, helping to subsidize artist studio rent.