Commercial Mid-Century Modern Buildings Around Kansas City

Many public buildings constructed during the two decades following the end of WWII showcase mid-century modern design aesthetics from a unique perspective. While they share many of the same principles – clean lines, geometric patterns, organic forms, contrasting materials, etc. – the added influence of catering to the public and their new ideals make commercial mid-century modern buildings an interesting segment of the movement.

Kansas City recently said “Goodbye” to one of its most recognizable mid-century modern buildings – the old KCI Terminal!

Throughout the design of many commercial mid-century modern buildings, there is an increased affinity for dramatic structural forms that become almost sculpture-like. Architects and designers used abstract, yet calculated angles and planes, sharp corners with curving lines, expansive smooth surfaces, contrasting textures, and lots of new materials like: glazed plate glass, concrete, polished stone, blond-colored bricks, finished aluminum, stainless steel, and more. Improved manufacturing capabilities made these materials not just accessible, but affordable and cost-effective.

All around Kansas City, there are a number of significant mid-century modern buildings. When they were built, these buildings were new and exciting. The public yearned for the future, for improved quality of life. And, the economic boom of the postwar era created a shockwave that touched all areas of modern life. Businesses needed to show that they, too, were on the up and up. That they were modern, innovative, and shared the same progressive values as their clientele.

Metcalf Bank – Photo Credit: KC Modern

Metcalf Bank

7200 W 75^th, Overland Park, KS

This unique little bank was designed by Neal Hansen & Associates and completed in 1970. Its visually striking appearance was so modern that the community soon nicknamed it “the spaceship.” The designers paid strict attention to the functionality of the bank with the goal of making it user-friendly and inviting. The triangular lot it sits upon inspired its matching layout, with three cylindrical rooms, on each corner, one holding the bank’s vault, another a conference room, and the last one, a circular staircase leading to a lower level.

The 1900 Building (Pre-Renovation)

The 1900 Building

1900 Shawnee Mission Pkwy, Mission Woods, KS

This imposing structure dominates the corner on Shawnee Mission Parkway. Before its somewhat recent renovation, the eye could not miss its unique precast concrete “tulip” pillars, evenly spaced before a wall of glass. The building was constructed in 1966 to house the office, R&D, and manufacturing facilities for H. D. Lee Jeans.

Richard Bolling Federal Building

Richard Bolling Federal Building

601 E 12^th St, Kansas City, MO

The Richard Bolling Federal Building is an excellent example of the transition many federal buildings underwent during this time – a shift away from ornate, ceremonial-inspired designs toward ones with clearly brutalist influence, as a way to convey strength, wisdom, and functionality. With the availability of new, relatively cheaper materials, these buildings could be completed on monumental scales.

The Richard Bolling Federal Building, completed in 1965, features a unique checkerboard façade created with grey-tinted panes of glazed glass and light grey metal spandrels.

Community Christian Church

Community Christian Church

4601 Main St, Kansas City, MO

Frank Llyod Wright designed the Community Christian Church at 46^th and Main to be “the church of the future” and his original design for it was nothing short of extravagant and avant-garde. For example, he envisioned the church sitting atop large pillars with a parking lot large enough to fit 150 cars beneath it and a large tower of lights jutting out from the top of the chancel area. He also proposed perforations in the sounding board (ceiling of chancel) to allow streaks of light from the tower to shine into the church.

Not keen on his ideas, the city planners claimed the design to be too radical to meet the city’s building code. This, along with budget limitations, forced Wright to pare down his design significantly. The resulting church is still an iconic mid-century modern structure though, with its low-profile and wide smooth surfaces.

Artist rendering of Truman Sports Complex with the proposed rolling dome. Photo credit: Royals Review

Truman Sports Complex

1 Royal Way, Kansas City, MO

1 Arrowhead Dr, Kansas City, MO

At the time of their construction, Kauffman Stadium (completed in 1973) and Arrowhead Stadium (completed in 1972) were the first sports stadiums of their kind. Before then, sports franchises didn’t build sport-specific facilities. It was more cost-effective to build a multi-use facility where both their city’s teams could play, and these stadiums all followed the same “cookie-cutter” design.

To create a building for a set purpose, for one sport only, was a very mid-mod attitude – the ultimate commitment to functionality. To complement their distinct individuality (and save some money), the stadiums sit side-by-side and share utilities, underground storage, and parking. They were originally supposed to share a rolling roof structure that was never completed.

The stadiums are striking and futuristic, with steep angles, curving bowl forms, and swooping structures of smooth concrete. Designers meticulously planned each stadium to provide the best fan experience, including an open-air design aimed to improve airflow and keep the stadium cool.

When you can recognize the elements of mid-century modern design in public buildings, you will begin to see just how far its influence reaches, even within buildings constructed well after this postwar era. Keep your eyes out for more mid-century modern gems around Kansas City!