The Fountains of Kansas City
It is a standing tradition and unspoken rule in Kansas City that any major construction is accompanied by the building of a water fountain. This means that in addition to the vast number of public outdoor fountains, there are also a number of privately owned outdoor fountains. One of the most grandly proportioned and well known of these in Kansas City is the Crown Center Square Fountain.
The Crown Center was developed by the founders of the Hallmark Card Company, which has its company headquarters in Kansas City. In the 1960s, the area surrounding the headquarters was basically a failed industrial area with many vacant lots, empty warehouses and closed businesses. The company founders, the Hall family, conceived the idea of renovating this portion of the city. In 1967, the plan for the Crown Center was publicly announced. The center was to be a long-term development combining hotels, office, retail, entertainment and residential functions. Ground was broken for the first phase of development in 1968. This included a landscaped square that would become home to the Crown Center Square Fountain.
This water fountain was first operational in 1972. It was unique among Kansas City fountains because of its design. There is no collecting basin or any type of visible plumbing. Instead, 49 jets shoot water 25 feet into the air. The addition of lighting that shines through the shooting water gives for a dramatic effect. The fountain takes up a space of about 2,000 square feet and rests in a cobblestone-paved portion of the square.
The Crown Center Square Fountain is one of the only Kansas City water fountains where playing in the water is accepted and even encouraged. Particularly on the hottest days of summer, young and old alike can be seen playing in the spurting water.
In 2006, the water fountain, and much of the square was part of a large renovation and restoration project. The biggest changes made were to the fountain. There are now twice as many water sprays. Additionally, there were new hydraulic devices installed that allow for “dancing water” displays. The water displays can be coordinated to music being broadcast from the new sound system that has been installed in the square.
The first display of the newly renovated water fountain is scheduled for the November 24th lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree. Although this would normally be too cold a time of year for a fountain to be working, the addition of heated water options during the renovation means that this fountain will be able to flow year round.
The Crown Center and the fountain have become a town square of sorts for Kansas City. In addition to the great number of visitors staying at the two hotels, it is frequently used as an event venue.