Kansas City Power and Light District, Kansas City, MO
Schwank heaters revitalize downtown Kansas City
About the facility
The Power and Light District by the Cordish Group revitalized downtown Kansas City after a decline in the early 80s. Covering 603,000 square feet, the district includes a large theater, chain restaurants, bars, and an outdoor entertainment area called “The Live Block Plaza.” The district’s centerpiece is Kansas City Live!, a one-block area for live music and entertainment, and a covered outdoor plaza for concerts and events.
The issue
The challenge was to provide warmth during cold weather for spectators at the Live! Plaza, a 25,000 square-foot outdoor venue in downtown Kansas City. Schwank installed an outdoor heating system that increases the temperature by 20 degrees in the City Live! area, especially under the overhead canopy. Their solution included all necessary heaters and controls to ensure uniform heating coverage.
David Cordish, President, The Cordish Companies
“The infrared heating system provided by Schwank, completes our Live Plaza and allows us to offer a winter oasis in the heart of Kansas City”
Implementation
Schwank designed an outdoor heating system for the Live! Plaza in downtown Kansas City, aiming to provide comfort heat during cold weather. The heating system included 56 sportSchwank heaters, several temperature sensors, and a ThermoControl Plus unit.
Schwank was the first heating system installed under a light weight, single skin membrane ETFE (Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene) roof system, the first in the United States.
sportSchwank was the only heater capable of providing a 20°F increase in comfort temperature in January. The system ensured uniform heating coverage throughout the venue.
Equipment:
Results
During the first New Year’s party at the KC Live Stage, the temperature dropped to 30°F. sportSchwank heaters created a comfortable environment, allowing spectators to remove their winter coats and enjoy the event. Now, the KC Live! Stage hosts frequent live entertainment, including a winter concert series and special events year-round. The development of the Power & Light District has been key to revitalizing downtown Kansas City.
