The 100-year-old former Union Station Power House building proved an uncanny match for the needs of the Kansas City Ballet, its north engine room providing the daylighting, floor-to-ceiling height and column-free space necessary for a professional dance studio.

Photo Courtesy of Fashid Assassi
The former Union Station Power House provides the daylighting, height and column-free space desired of a contemporary dance studio.
Photo Courtesy of Fashid Assassi
Years of coal burning had degraded many of the building's structural-steel members, prompting erection of an elaborate post shoring system to jack up the building and reduce loads on members during repairs.

A south boiler room provided a similarly appropriate fit for the organization's office and support space.

Nevertheless, years of coal burning had degraded many of the building's structural-steel members, prompting erection of an elaborate post shoring system to jack up the building and reduce loads on members during repairs.

Some 17,500 bricks from the center's facade were removed and replaced.

Todd Bolender Center for Dance and Creativity, Kansas City, Mo. Key Players

Owner: Kansas City Ballet, Kansas City, Mo.

General Contractor: JE Dunn Construction, Kansas City, Mo.

Architect: BNIM Architects, Kansas City, Mo.

Structural Engineer: Structural Engineering Assoc., Kansas City, Mo.

MEP Engineer: Gibbens Drake Scott Inc., Raytown, Mo.

Submitted by: JE Dunn Construction