After much anticipation, the Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens opens the stunning LongHouse Visitor Center.
Words by Lisa Waterman Gray
ree- and flower-lined paths, quiet ponds and streamways have long characterized Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, but last September, the city celebrated a shiny new addition to the landscape: the LongHouse Visitor Center. âWe needed a major hub if we wanted to become a nationally ranked arboretum and botanical gardens, where we could do national-level programming and exhibits,â says the Arboretum's manager, Drew Ibarra. The 21,000-square-foot structure accommodates up to 500 people and 250 vehicles. DLR Group and Confluence assisted with the architecture and site planning, respectively. âWe were all at the table helping to make decisions,â Drew says. âParks and Recreation was heading up design and fundraising, and it took longer to generate fundraising than expected,â says Craig Serig, DLR Group's principal and design leader. âPrices were going up, too, so [the project] almost got shelved for a bit.â
Soaring ceilings, wall-spanning windows, polished concrete floors and curved walls with limestone accents punctuate the interior, where acoustical panels enhance overall sound quality. State-of-the-art media and sound equipment and a prep kitchen also enhance public and private events.Â
The exterior incorporates organic shapes and forms, including Kansas limestone, wood beams that mimic leaf veining and exposed wood decking with long overhangs. Curved edges along the zinc-colored metal roof also imitate organic leaf shapes.Â
âOur energy model on the building also confirmed that energy use is about half that of a comparable building,â Craig says.
Adjacent gardens, lawns and a reflecting pool encourage celebration and connection with nature. At night, warm golden light fills the building and spills across the landscape. âOur goal is always to invite you in, but then to get you outdoors to see the arboretum and garden features,â Drew says.
âWeâve been involved with the initial design team since 2015, and it has been very exciting,â adds Hank Moyers, associate principal at Confluence. âNative and hardscape materials were used throughout the project.Â
âYou [consider the] layout of the main building, the parking lot, patio spaces, the upper pond, lower pond and waterfall. We spent over 15 months of construction time making sure everything that was initially set forth came to life. Itâs a legacy project for us.âÂ
The project also honors Moyersâ fatherâs volunteer efforts here, before his recent passing.
Craig says the LongHouse Visitor Center provides a new front door for the city at the Arboretum.
âI like the feel of the space with the daylight that filters through and the natural materials,â Craig adds. âItâs a great way to enter the gardens.âÂ
Architect: DLR Group, @dlr_group
Builder: McCownGordon Construction, @mccowngordon
Site Planning and Landscape Design: Confluence, @thinkconfluence
You may also like these articles.
Your dream home starts with Pella windows and doors
Replacing old or inefficient windows and doors is a great way to increase energy efficiency, as well as modernizing your homeâs look and style.
French Bistro at Home
Delicious curves, dramatic contrasts and gleaming golds accentuate a renovation project in Kearney thatâs dually functional and opulent.
Walls of Renaissance
Wallcovering trends showcase bespoke styles, vibrant hues and textured expressions.
The essence of a water garden: You donât know what your outdoor living space is missing
Good Earth Water Gardens creates intimate outdoor living spaces that are designed around water.
A Lit Collection
Moody lighting and deep, dark tones set the stage for a bourbon bar and a music room.
Leave a Reply