Crosstown Substation
Crosstown Substation Renovation for the KCP&L
The architects at Pendulum developed a synthesizing design which combines elements of public art, architecture, and kinetic motion-based visual arts to create a low-profile barrier wall wrapping the KCP&L Substation.
Prior to the new design, the corner of 18th and Locust was deteriorating. KCP&L replaced the wall with a new design, including commissioned artwork, that would reflect the Crossroads’ artistic community spirit.
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The winning design by Pendulum included a space for the light artist James Woodfill to create a kinetic display. As the sun sets, an animated display of lights takes over: 10,500 color-changing LED lights alternate to create an illusion of motion, powered by 117 solar panels.
Photograph of the Crosstown Substation west facade at dusk.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Crosstown Substation designed by Pendulum, featuring Solanum weathering steel metalwork.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Custom cylinder sidewalk lights cast unique shadows through perforations.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Custom cylinder sidewalk lights cast unique shadows through perforations.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Crosstown Substation designed by Pendulum, featuring Solanum weathering steel metalwork.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
The Crosstown Substation, featuring a prepatinated weathering steel custom wall system.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Photograph of the Crosstown Substation west facade at dusk.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Detail of the Crosstown Substation during daylight.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Manufacturing the Weathering Steel Facade for Pendulum Architects
Zahner was brought on to provide a weathering steel surface that would endure all four seasons in Kansas City, as well as provide a worn steel aeshtetic with minimal corrosion and staining of adjacent surfaces. Using the Solanum Steel process, Zahner was able to provide a warm steel patina. Zahner also worked closely with the project team to provide all structural steel and fabrication required for the project.
Rendering of Crosstown Substation, designed by Pendulum Architects in Kansas City.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Mockup of Crosstown Substation, installed on-site at the previous park.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
Crosstown Substation at night.
Photo © A. Zahner Company.
Crosstown Substation at night.
PHOTO © A. ZAHNER COMPANY
History of the Crosstown Substation
Originally the KCP&L station was the site of the Holmes Square Park. Designed by George Kessler, the park was originally opened in 1897, the same year A. Zahner Company was founded by Andrew Zahner. The park was directed by Elenore Canny, who was sworn in by the Kansas City Police Department in 1910, becoming the first woman to serve and protect as a police officer in Kansas City, Missouri, and also one of the first female police officers in America.
KCP&L has decided to place a plaque on the gate of the substation commemorating the Holmes Square Park and the accomplishments of Elenor Canny. The material and construction of the plaque was generously donated by A. Zahner Company.
Project Team
- Architect/Designer: Pendulum
- General Contractor: Turner Construction, Inc.
- Lighting Consultant: Derek Porter Studio
- Structural Engineer: Du Bois Consultants
- Commissioned Artist: James Woodfill
- Steel Contractor/Fabricator/Supplier: Zahner
Awards and Recognition
- 2014 EDC Cornerstone Award Winner for Energy
- 2014 Kansas City Chapter AGC Building Excellence Award
Photo © 
PHOTO ©️ Parrish Ruiz de Velasco (parrch.com)
© Fedora Hat Photography
Ɱ, Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license, edited.
