Central Campus Improvements, Johnson County Community College

Overland Park, Kansas

The Central Campus Improvements project marked the first phase of a major revitalization effort at Johnson County Community College, aimed at transforming the heart of campus into a more functional, welcoming, and student-centered environment. JBC Landscape Architects provided a full range of urban design services, guiding the redesign of key outdoor spaces to better accommodate growth and evolving campus activities.

The project emphasized both circulation and placemaking, enhancing pedestrian pathways with upgraded pavers, thoughtfully selected plantings, and modern furnishings. Screening and landscape elements were introduced to improve comfort and visual appeal, while distinctive lighting was designed to give the area a stronger identity and sense of place.

By integrating pocket seating and open space improvements throughout the core, the design balanced functionality with community. These upgrades not only improved day-to-day movement across campus but also created vibrant spaces for students, faculty, and visitors to connect, study, and recharge, reinforcing the central campus as a vital hub of activity and engagement.