News

Kansas City Art Institute Breaks Ground on Student Residence Hall and Dining Center

Posted: March 17, 2020


July 31 2018, school news: Christopher Carvell Architects,

Groundbreaking, Helix Architecture + Design, Kansas City Art Institute, Residence Hall.

The Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) broke ground this morning on a new student residence hall and dining center. Located along Warwick Blvd south of the campus gates, the building will house a 244-bed
residence hall, the Wylie Dining Center and the Nerman Café. The residence hall went from wish list to reality following a $10 million lead gift by an anonymous donor, given through the Greater Kansas City
Community Foundation last year.

Helix designers Doug Stockman and Alissa Wehmueller, along with Christopher Carvell of Christopher Carvell Architects, designed the new building to look beyond traditional student housing models and nurture the creativity and wellbeing of art students. Featuring double-occupancy semi-suites with private baths and cozy gathering spaces, plus a student gallery, large living room and gaming center, the building celebrates the unique individuality of each student while creating a sense of community. Kansas Citybased JE Dunn Construction is the general contractor for the project.

“The contemporary student coming to KCAI to study deserves the best possible living space and the residence hall will be exactly what the students and their parents want – a home that is comfortable, relaxing and safe, with high connectivity. After a day of working in the studio, they can return to a supportive community and a place they can make their own,” said The Nerman Family President Tony Jones.

Campus micro master plan - gateway to the art ribbon linking KCAI’s campus to the Kamper & Nelson Atkins Museums and the interspace courtyard between the existing campus quadrangle & the new building.
Birdseye view from the campus central quadrangle looking west to Warwick Boulevard.
Dining hall main entry facing KCAI’s administration building & the gateway - “oval” campus entry.