A GOOD FIRST IMPRESSION

RICHARD P BOLLING FEDERAL BUILDING
Kansas City, Missouri

Walter P Moore provided structural engineering, civil engineering, parking consulting and structural diagnostics services to help link this renovated federal building to its urban setting. The General Services Administration recognized the project with GSA Design Award citations for modernization in 2008 and 2004.

The North Entry and Corridor Renovation was part of the “First Impressions Project,” a GSA initiative to enhance the public’s perception of the federal government. We reused and reconfigured the existing building façade so the bevel fins form a flat curvilinear surface, softening the harshness of the original building. Walter P Moore designed the main entry roof as a two-way slab system with cantilever slabs tapered to appear thin at the edges.

Sustainable design aspects include use of exposed reinforced concrete with a durable low-maintenance surface, eliminating the extra cost of exterior cladding. Nearly 85 percent of the materials slated for removal during the demolition and renovation was reused, saving more than $1.5 million and nearly 8 tons of metal.