Extensive Residential

Project: 909 Walnut Street
Award Recipient: Jeffrey L. Bruce & Company
Owner: Simbol Commercial & Kimberly-Clark
Garage Architect: Stott & Associates Architects P.C.
General Contractor/CM: The Weitz Company
Landscape, Soil and Irrigation Contractor: H&R Lawn and Landscape
Waterproofing/Roofing Contractor: Delta Services

As the tallest apartment building in Missouri, the 909 Walnut Fidelity Tower Building has been refurbished to provide thirty-four floors of beautiful, spacious luxury suites for high rise living. Originally built in 1931 as a bank, the tower also offers prime office space. Connecting the 909 Walnut Tower and the 929 Walnut Building (another of the many buildings being revitalized in downtown Kansas City), is a new eight-story parking garage with an amenity on its roof most apartment owners could only dream of.

Atop this new parking garage is a lush garden that will provide an outdoor and community space that most others in high rise living have to find at a nearby park. The developer of this property renovation recognized the value of providing a recreational amenity in the densely populated downtown of Kansas City and was a staunch supporter of the concept, funding the green roof without public assistance. Although downtown Kansas City is in the midst of a $4.5 billion renovation this decade, the financial district of Kansas City had seen limited investment in its existing structures. Any development of residential space was greatly affected by the lack of green space. Parks are sparse, relatively distant, and typified by loud, exposed, and separated spaces.

The residents of the 909 Walnut suites can relax among the trees, shrubs and grass of the beautifully landscaped area. The design concept was to provide residents with the same amenities as you would find in a luxury European hotel or resort with small spaces for privacy and relaxation. The garden even provides cabanas, so tenants can gather with their high rise living neighbors. Even the four-legged residents enjoy it, since there’s a special area for dogs to get some exercise.

The Green Roof covering the Parking Structure is approximately 17,000 square feet. The Green Roof construction investment was approximately $40.00 per square foot. Special growing media profiles, 6” for lawn area and 6” for landscape beds, were specifically designed to meet the diverse needs of this demanding site.

The green roof at 909 Walnut Tower is the primary inspiration for dozens of green roofs that are popping up throughout Kansas City. It has received widespread news coverage and print media recognition, as well as being the location of over 150 professional, civic, public and social events, educating over 60,000 individuals on the benefits of green roof technology.

The need for a quality outdoor space for residents was demonstrably critical to the developer. The landscape design fills a green void in a densely-packed area of downtown. The results have greatly exceeded expectations: the building maintains a 90% occupancy rate in a real estate market with 73% occupancy.

Frequently seen on banquet invitations, professional model shoots, educational sessions, and green design websites, this green roof is becoming an icon of the Kansas City financial district.

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