KANSAS CITY—HOK has just completed the acquisition of Kansas City-based 360 Architecture, a 200-person firm that specializes in the design of sports, recreation, wellness, entertainment and mixed-use facilities.
The transaction also marks the start of the New York-based HOK's new global Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice and an expansion of its capabilities in Kansas City, Columbus and San Francisco. 360 Architecture was founded in Kansas City in 2004 through a merger of CDFM2 Architecture Inc. and Heinlein Schrock Stearns.
“We acquired 360 because we consider them the world's most innovative designers of stadiums, ballparks, arenas, recreation and wellness centers, and mixed-use entertainment districts,” says Patrick MacLeamy, HOK's chairman and chief executive officer. “This partnership also enables us to provide design services to all types of clients through new HOK offices in Kansas City and Columbus. It's a transformative acquisition that will bring significant benefits to our clients and people.”
“We're thrilled about leveraging HOK's worldwide network to expand our sports, recreation and entertainment design practice while offering our clients design leadership in many other markets,” says Brad Schrock, a former 360 Architecture principal and a new director of HOK's Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice.
The practice designs mixed-use entertainment districts anchored by sporting venues. One of the group's best-known projects is the Nationwide Arena District, a centerpiece of Columbus' reviving CBD developed by Nationwide Realty Investors. The project has brought in about $1 billion in development around Nationwide Arena. The team also helped design the Sprint Center and its neighboring eight-block, mixed-use Kansas City Power and Light District.
“At the heart of our practice is a desire to help create thriving cities and regions,” says HOK president Bill Hellmuth. “With stadia and arenas hosting more entertainment events, they can act as catalysts to invigorate urban districts or to attract people to a region.
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Brian J. Rogal
Brian J. Rogal is a Chicago-based freelance writer with years of experience as an investigative reporter and editor, most notably at The Chicago Reporter, where he concentrated on housing issues. He also has written extensively on alternative energy and the payments card industry for national trade publications.
