New plantings on the site compliment the existing vegetation through the addition of a variety of native over-story and under-story plants. Ornamental trees, shrubs, and groundcovers provide seasonal color and frame views and create contiguous outdoor spaces throughout the site. A highly advanced centrally controlled irrigation system makes it possible to optimize water distribution using soil and atmospheric data.

Kauffman Foundation Corporate Headquarters
Kansas City, Missouri

The Kauffman Foundation enlisted the services of JBC to direct the site design and development of the 20 acres surrounding their newly constructed headquarters in downtown Kansas City. One of the key characteristics of the development has been the quality of the work, with the overall goal being to develop a facility that will only grow in character over time. Large Oak trees, historic stacked limestone walls, and a close proximity to the nearby Nelson-Atkins Art Museum and Country Club Plaza shopping district characterize the site. The copper- roofed building's construction consists of limestone-colored brick with marble, granite, and bluestone accents. Wood and copper trellises connect the building with the walkways in the parking lot and lend an intriguing sense of scale to the site.

Two large ponds, each ringed with native limestone and wetlands planting provide storm water detention and enhance views from offices and other vantage within the building. Two limestone-covered waterfalls ringed with native wetland plantings connect the ponds. The rushing water and bridges overlooking the waterfalls create a tremendous sense of enclosure for a courtyard created between the two wings of the building. This area serves as a gathering place for Kauffman employees for luncheons and parties and was designed with colorful and intimate plantings to augment the turfgrass gathering spaces and bluestone paving.