The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Thursday will get a design update for the Arts and Heritage Center in a 1960s-era building in Overland Park, Kansas.
The county bought the former King Louie West at 8788 Metcalf in 2011. Now, instead of ice skating and bowling, the facility is slated to house the Johnson County Museum, parks and recreation classes, and Theatre in the Park musicals.
“We’re retaining many of the iconic features or elements of the existing building, the spire, the unique shaped roof over the former ice skating rink area," says Brad Reinhardt, director of facilities management.
But Reinhardt says changes are in store so the building will "look really sharp from the street." The county is working closely with SFS Architecture on improvements, such as allowing in more natural light.
He adds, "We've softened up the parking lot, improved the slope. So we're adding some landscaping and softening it up."
The public is invited to weigh in, and view design proposals, at an open house on August 31, 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at Meadowbrook Golf Course and Country Club, 9101 Nall Avenue, in Overland Park.
The grand opening of the Johnson County Arts and Heritage Center is expected in April 2017.
