Old and new combine in this adaptive reuse project
- Project Kirk Family YMCA Lyric
- Location Kansas City, Missouri
- Type of Precast CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall Panels
- Project Size 62,000 sq. ft.
- CarbonCast Surface Area 18,106 sq. ft.
- Architect BNIM Architects
- Contractor JE Dunn Construction
- Precaster Enterprise Precast Concrete
The 62,000 square feet urban fitness center is an adaptive reuse project in downtown that transformed the historic theater into an urban health and fitness center. Originally constructed in 1926, the historic theater is located along a corridor which includes several sites listed on the Historic Cities Register.
Different plans to repurpose the theater emerged over the years, with the Urban Fitness Center ultimately finding its new home within the site. The Urban Fitness Center creates a renewed presence in the urban core of this downtown and serves as a valuable community resource. Located within the urban setting, the facility’s multi-story model embraces its downtown context and is unique to traditional building layouts.
To meet these goals, this historic (but underutilized) downtown theater was transformed to serve this flourishing community. Maintaining the iconic facade on the south elevation on the original 1926 facility was a priority. The wide aesthetic versatility of the project made architectural (and structural) precast concrete the perfect material to use to achieve these goals.
Structural precast components were used to build out the footprint of the new building. Structural gray precast panels were installed on the west elevation and then faced with natural stone to maintain consistency with the original facade.
The newer north and east elevations were designed with a modern facade. This was achieved with 18,106 square feet of white and charcoal colored architectural precast cladding and insulated panels with an acid etch finish. These are highlighted by a distinguishing series protruding architectural precast fins. The contemporary facade is symbolic of how this older era facility that will have a new purpose and relevance for many decades to come.
Structural precast components (columns, beams, and hollowcore) were used to build out the footprint of the new building. Structural gray precast wall panels were installed on the west elevation and then faced with natural stone to maintain consistency with the original façade on the adjacent primary street thoroughfare.
The newer north and east elevations were designed with a modern facade. This was achieved with 18,106 square feet of white and charcoal colored architectural precast cladding and CarbonCast High Performance Insulated Wall panels with an acid etch finish.
These are highlighted by a distinguishing series protruding architectural precast fins. The contemporary facade is symbolic of how this older era facility that will have a new purpose and relevance for many decades to come.