HOK’s Kansas City studio will provide planning, architecture and marketing for a city-led initiative to reenergize the district known for its historic ties to jazz and African-American business and culture.
The City of Kansas City has selected HOK to work with the 18th & Vine Development Policy Committee, city staff, district residents, business owners and visitors to re-envision and re-generate the 18th & Vine Historic District.
The project will build on 18th & Vine’s reputation as a cultural and entertainment destination and position the district as a live, work, play and entertainment area. HOK will work to improve the walkability of the district’s future shops, apartments, and entertainment venues. The project will expand amenities for young professionals seeking urban housing and retail and support the efforts of the district’s cultural institutions, which include the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and American Jazz Museum.
“When we went looking for a partner to help us fully realize the 18th & Vine District in Kansas City, we knew we wanted a strong, inclusive approach to fit our needs,” Third District City Councilman Jermaine Reed said. “In HOK, we have found a collaborative and experienced professional team, and together we continue the work toward a successful and sustainable 18th & Vine.”
“We’re looking forward to the opportunity to energize one of Kansas City’s most important and historic districts through creative planning and design,” said Chris DeVolder, managing principal of HOK’s Kansas City studio. “The first phase of our collaborative efforts involves establishing criteria for what successful growth and vibrancy in the district moving forward will look like.”
In recent years, HOK has designed more than eight million square feet of urban space in Kansas City, including providing the architecture for major civic projects such as the Sprint Center and the Kansas City Power & Light District.