Article By Kansas City Business Journal
Players: VanTrust Real Estate LLC, developer; Waterford Property Co. LLC, broker; Dentons US LLP, legal services; Finkle + Williams Architecture, architect; PKMR Engineers, PMA Engineering, PEI Engineering, engineers; MW Builders, general contractor; Scott Rice Office Works
Description: After outgrowing its former Leawood location, Tortoise reinvested in the community by building a new three-story, class-A office headquarters that better connects its 200 employees and allows for future growth. The floor plan showcases a sweeping, curved-glass façade that provides floor-to-ceiling views.
Unique features: Visitors to the building are welcomed by a 9-foot long, see-through fireplace that sits between the vestibule and lobby. The interior building design incorporates an open three-story staircase that connects gathering spaces on each floor and promotes interaction and socialization among co-workers.
Design strategies: The project was delivered by a design-build partnership that fostered an inclusive and integrated approach.
“The design-build team worked together with the developer and end user to develop their program, right-size the building and create a seamless design approach from concept through occupancy,” said Ellen Foster, the project manager at Finkle & Williams Architecture.
Creative considerations: The project location, situated at the triangular corner of Town Center Drive and 117th Street, gave the design team the challenge of completing the Park Place master-plan puzzle. The design team was able to create a unique footprint while ensuring an efficient office layout. The open-office format features several breakout spaces for collaboration as well as focus areas, including phone rooms.
Green features: The building has rooftop solar panels, and 360-degree floor-to-ceiling glass connects employees to the outdoors. The building also integrates LEED features, including high-performance solar control glazing, LED lighting, daylight and occupancy controls, shower and changing facilities, and bicycle racks.
Article By Chelan David, Kansas City Business Journal
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