The Kansas City Public Library Parking Garage, a paragon of playful architecture, is a testament to the adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover”. It’s not every day one comes across a parking garage that, rather than disappearing into the urban fabric, boldly stands out as an embodiment of the city’s cultural fervor and intellectual curiosity.
Construction Timeline and Financial Aspects
The idea for this unique project began to materialize in the early 2000s, with construction officially kicking off in 2003. It took approximately two years of craftsmanship, innovation, and architectural prowess to bring this inventive design to life, opening its doors (or rather, pages) to the public in 2004. The project’s financial aspects remain largely undisclosed, a common practice for privately funded developments.
Architectural Genius
The Kansas City-based firm, Dimensional Innovations, was the architectural muscle behind this spectacle. Already renowned for their bold designs and interdisciplinary approach, this project allowed them to break the mould of conventional parking garages and create a new architectural narrative. The colossal “Community Bookshelf” on the south wall of the garage is a masterpiece that marries functionality with a profound statement about the city’s reverence for literature.
Architectural Style
The building’s architectural style is a fascinating blend of postmodern and novelty architecture. The monumental bookshelf facade is a distinctive novelty feature, while the rest of the building incorporates elements of postmodern design—chief among them, the audacious fusion of practical design with high-concept artistic expression.
A Space Spanning 22,500 Square Feet
The parking garage spans an impressive 22,500 square feet, stacked vertically over several floors. It stands as a testament to the architect’s innovative use of space, managing to combine the necessary functionality of a city parking garage with a striking, artistic exterior.
A Height That Towers
At 25 feet high by 9 feet, the book spines on the “Community Bookshelf” are nothing short of towering. The gigantic books inject a sense of whimsy and curiosity into the downtown streetscape, reminding passersby of the city’s commitment to education, knowledge, and community.
Purpose and Function
The primary function of the building is, of course, to serve as a parking garage for the Kansas City Public Library patrons. The garage provides necessary space for vehicles in the busy city center, yet it also serves a higher purpose. It acts as a public art installation, a conversation starter, and a bold expression of the value of literacy and learning.
Locational Information
The parking garage is located at 14 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, USA. It’s nestled into the city’s dynamic downtown area, in close proximity to the Central Library, which is part of the larger Kansas City Public Library system.
You can reach the Kansas City Public Library at their public phone number at: +1 816-701-3400. While other details are mentioned at the end of this read.
The Kansas City Public Library Parking Garage is more than just a place to park—it’s a symbol of Kansas City’s rich literary tradition and cultural vibrance. It’s a bold statement of the city’s values, cloaked in the guise of an everyday structure, and a living proof that architecture is more than the sum of its parts.
Recent Changes
In the mid of 2019, the officials have lurked on a major structural repairs to the parking garage that includes replacing the top-level cove joints, the ceiling concrete patching at different locations, the repairing or replacement of the cracked haunches in 12 to 15 locations, and the replacement of the bearing pad on the 4th floor. The project has been awarded to a contractor firm Chamberlin in April 13, 2023 with total estimated cost of repairs as $127,079.
Further Information On The Kansas City Public Library Parking Garage
Date Construction started: 2000
Date Opened: 2004
Architect: Dimensional Innovations
Height:9 meters
Function or purpose: parking garage
Address: 114 W 10th St, Kansas City, MO 64105, United States
Phone number: +1 816-701-3400
