Sprint Center | Kansas City, Missouri

The Sprint Center, located on the east side of the Kansas City Power & Light District in Kansas City, Missouri, was designed by the Downtown Arena Design Team comprised of architectural firms such as Populous and Rafael Architects. The project was initiated in 2005 and was completed in 2007 with a concert on October 13, 2007 by Elton John as its first public event. The Moons, a public art by New York-based artist Chris Doyle, was commissioned by KCMAC Kansas City Municipal Arts Commission.

No Comments / Jul 05.10 / Travel / by Jen-Kuang Chang

Cosentino’s Market | Kansas City, Missouri

The Cosentino’s Market Downtown, opened in the Kansas City Power & Light District in 2009, is located at 14 W. 62nd Street in downtown Kansas City, Missouri. The Cosentino’s Food Stores, operating 25 stores in the Kansas City area such as Cosentino’s Sun Fresh, Cosentino’s Apple Market, and Cosentino’s Price Chopper, opened the first Cosentino’s Market in Brookside back in 2004.

No Comments / Jul 04.10 / Travel / by Jen-Kuang Chang

Atchison County Courthouse | Rock Port, Missouri

The Atchison County Courthouse, located at 400 South Washington Street in downtown Rock Port, Missouri, was constructed in 1882. The county court, comprised of the presiding judge J. T. Wells, associate judges William Compton and Albert Gerdes, and county clerk M. L. Lee, began its operation in this building in 1883. Edmund J. Eckel and George R. Mann of St. Joseph, Missouri were responsible for the architectural design of this courthouse.

No Comments / Jul 04.10 / Travel / by Jen-Kuang Chang

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Navigating byzantinevery complex street-network in downtown Minneapolis was no less than a thorny commission and I did it while listening to an anomalous mix-tape made by Sue, my perky graphic designer friend. I missed my Interstate 94 exit while Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax masterfully interpreting Johannes Brahms’ Sonata No. 1 for Cello and Piano; made a wrong turn on Hennepin Avenue when Lester Young commandingly jamming on All of Me; almost got trapped in Target Center’s parking garage armed with only Sam Cooke’s Wonderful World and a jerrybuilt, half-eaten veggie wrap. When I finally got myself into the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden located right next to the Walker Art Center, I had few drops of grateful tears in my eyes while Etta James beautifully warbling out At Last like my personal guardian angel.

At Last
My Love Has Come Along
My Lonely Days Are Over
And Life Is Like A Song

“I made it.” I called Sue to report my maiden voyage. “With a little bit help from your mix-tape, I guess.”

“But,” she demanded nothing but the truth. “Did you remember to bring a spoon and a bag of cherries with you?”

 

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, with Spoonbridge and Cherry by Claes Oldenburg & Coosje van Bruggen as its centerpiece, currently features more than 40 sculptures on permanent display, showcasing works by notable artists such as Alexander Calder, Brower Hatcher, Mark di Suvero, Barry Flanagan, Siah Armajani, Jackie Winsor, Jacques Lipchitz, Tony Cragg, Dan Graham, George Segal, Deborah Butterfield, Sol LeWitt, and many others.

The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, located near the Walker Art Center, Loring Parking, and the Basilica of Saint Mary in downtown Minneapolis, was established in 1988 with Edward Larrabee Barnes and landscape architects Quinnel and Rothschild responsible for its initial design. The Garden was expanded in 1992 with designs by Michael Van Valkenburgh and Associates, Inc. The Garden, operated by the Walker Art Center and the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board, replaced the Armory Gardens opened back in 1913.

No Comments / Jun 23.10 / Art, Photo, Travel / by Jen-Kuang Chang

Hoyt Sherman Place | Des Moines, Iowa

2:30 PM. 90 degree. 82% humidity. Freshly-squeezed lemonade with excessive ice cubes. Archiving photos of Hoyt Sherman Place. Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason” from her 1995 album New Beginning quietly piped out of an unknown radio station. A strong urge to drink my lemonade inside of my freezer. Oh, Summertime, And the livin’ is . . .

 

Hoyt Sherman Place, located in the Sherman Hill neighborhood in downtown Des Moines, was built by Hoyt Sherman in 1877. In 1907, this grand manor became The Des Moines Women’s Club’s clubhouse, featuring a gallery to showcase club members’ art collection as the first public art museum in Des Moines. In 1923, Women’s Club completed the 1400-seat theater to provide a more suitable space for club activities. Hoyt Sherman Place, listed on The National Register of Historic Places, is currently operated by The Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation, providing the facility for art exhibits and concerts.

No Comments / Jun 21.10 / Photo, Travel / by Jen-Kuang Chang