The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center received the ULI Kansas City’s Development of Distinction Award at the Urban Land Institute Awards Ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 3. 

“The competition was beyond incredible, so it was truly an honor for Johnson County Government, JCPRD, SFS Architecture who led the design process and McCown Gordon Construction who served as the general contractor to not only be recognized as a finalist, but to also be presented with the award,” said Jeff Stewart, executive director of Johnson County Park & Recreation District.

The Johnson County Arts & Heritage Center is a cultural hub for the metro area, featuring the Johnson County Museum, Theatre in the Park black box theatre, JCPRD classrooms and event space.

“It seems fitting that this building is a historic building housing the museum,” noted Mindi Love, director of the museum. The mid-century building was originally King Louie West, known for its ice-skating rink, bowling alley and billiards room. It closed in 2009, was purchased by the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners in 2011 and reopened in June 2017.

ULI Kansas City’s Development of Distinction Awards are an opportunity to recognize and celebrate projects and people in Kansas City that exemplify ULI’s mission: to provide leadership in the responsible use of land and in creating and sustaining thriving communities worldwide. The Awards seek to recognize completed regional projects that demonstrate exceptional achievement of best practices in development.