Buck O'Neil Education Center

Kansas City, Missouri. Renovation of a historic YMCA in the 18th and Vine Jazz District, for the City of Kansas City.

Circulation was the thing standing between the building and its income. Without a proper core the upper floors could not be let.

Pendulum designed an iconic vertical transportation core carrying stairs, elevators and storage, which unlocked commercial office across the upper four floors and a private event space in the basement.

Working with building owner Ollie Gates and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, the skin was made to reflect Buck O'Neil himself. Perforated metal panels let sunlight through by day, casting shadows on the concrete behind them, and at night the light travels the other way so the building becomes the beacon he was.

S.C.O.R.E. Revenue Innovation. Community Connection. Experience Design.

In the press: GRAND Magazine, on the Buck O’Neil portrait glove Jonathan Cole commissioned.