University of Missouri-Kansas City Student Union

Project Case Study
A student union is the centerpiece of a collegiate campus, a place where students can study and socialize. At UMKC, the union is also the beneficiary of the students’ pocketbooks, after they voted for a tuition increase to pay for the building’s construction.

Client

University of Missouri – Kansas City

Processes

Safety
Preconstruction
Collaborative Delivery

City

Kansas City, MO

Recognitions

LEED Gold

Urban Land Institute Development of Distinction Award

Kansas City Southtown Council Beautification Award

Design Build Institute of America - Mid America Region Best Institutional Project

Building a union worthy of that commitment was a responsibility McCownGordon proudly took on after winning the design-build competition with architect Gould Evans.

Constructed with brick and a three-story glass curtain wall, the union reflects both its geographic context and the modern outlook of its inhabitants. Interior finishes like stained concrete and tile were used to withstand heavy, continuous use.

Ground level storefronts and eateries greet the campus with vitality. The 120,000 square-foot facility also features a grand staircase that connects the main lobby to the top floor. The union houses marketplace dining and seating, retail space, meeting rooms, student government and activities offices, food services and a performing arts/movie theater.

Gould Evans, McCownGordon, UCM, Student Union, Kansas City, MO
Gould Evans, McCownGordon, UCM, Student Union, Kansas City, MO
Gould Evans, McCownGordon, UCM, Student Union, Kansas City, MO