Crown Center

Crown Center is a mixed-use development located in Kansas City, Missouri, owned by the Hall Family Foundation and developed by Hallmark Cards. The complex was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and opened in 1971, featuring a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, including the Hallmark Visitors Center and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Crown Center is also home to the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium and the Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City, making it a popular destination for families and tourists, including those visiting nearby Union Station (Kansas City). The center is surrounded by several major Kansas City, Missouri landmarks, including the Kansas City Convention Center and the Sprint Center.

● History

The history of Crown Center dates back to the 1960s, when Hallmark Cards founder Joyce C. Hall envisioned a mixed-use development that would showcase the company's products and provide a unique experience for visitors. The complex was designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and developed in partnership with Trammell Crow, with construction beginning in 1968 and completion in 1971. Over the years, Crown Center has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center hotel and the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center. The center has also hosted numerous events and exhibitions, including the Kansas City FilmFest and the American Royal horse show, which is held annually at the American Royal Complex. Crown Center has been recognized for its innovative design and development, receiving awards from the Urban Land Institute and the American Institute of Architects.

● Location and Architecture

Crown Center is located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, within walking distance of several major landmarks, including the National World War I Museum and Memorial and the Kansas City Convention Center. The complex is situated on a 85-acre site, featuring a unique blend of modern architecture and landscape design, with buildings and spaces designed by Edward Larrabee Barnes and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. The center's design incorporates several public art installations, including works by Henry Moore and Claes Oldenburg, and features a large ice skating rink and a fountain designed by Garth Evans. Crown Center is also home to several sculpture gardens, including the Hallmark Sculpture Garden and the Crown Center Square, which feature works by Auguste Rodin and Barbara Hepworth. The center's architecture has been influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier, and has been recognized for its innovative use of materials and sustainable design.

● Attractions and Amenities

Crown Center offers a wide range of attractions and amenities, including the Sea Life Kansas City Aquarium and the Legoland Discovery Center Kansas City, which feature interactive exhibits and displays on marine life and Lego toys. The center is also home to the Hallmark Visitors Center, which showcases the history and products of Hallmark Cards, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial, which features exhibits and artifacts on World War I. Visitors can also enjoy the center's shopping and dining options, including the Crown Center Shops and the Crown Center Restaurants, which feature a range of local and international cuisine, including Kansas City-style barbecue and Midwestern cuisine. Crown Center is also surrounded by several major Kansas City, Missouri landmarks, including the Sprint Center and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, which host a variety of performing arts and sports events throughout the year.

● Entertainment and Events

Crown Center hosts a wide range of entertainment and events throughout the year, including the Kansas City FilmFest and the American Royal horse show, which is held annually at the American Royal Complex. The center is also home to the Crown Center Ice Terrace, which offers ice skating and hockey leagues, and the Crown Center Square, which features outdoor concerts and festivals during the summer months. Visitors can also enjoy the center's theater and performance venues, including the Coterie Theatre and the American Heartland Theatre, which feature a range of plays and musicals. Crown Center has also hosted several major events, including the Republican National Convention and the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, which were held at the nearby Sprint Center.

● Redevelopment and Expansion

In recent years, Crown Center has undergone several redevelopment and expansion projects, including the addition of new retail and dining options, such as the Crown Center Shops and the Crown Center Restaurants. The center has also invested in sustainable design and energy efficiency initiatives, including the installation of solar panels and energy-efficient lighting. Crown Center has also expanded its entertainment and event offerings, including the addition of new theater and performance venues, such as the Coterie Theatre and the American Heartland Theatre. The center has also partnered with several major Kansas City, Missouri organizations, including the Kansas City Chiefs and the Kansas City Royals, to host sports and entertainment events throughout the year. Crown Center continues to evolve and expand, with plans for future development and renovation, including the addition of new hotel and residential spaces, such as the Westin Kansas City at Crown Center and the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center.