Mar 2, 20212 min read

Project Spotlight: A fresh look for the "Bumblebee" Building

Cascade Health Services' new corporate office building, formerly known as the “Bumblebee Building,” has a new look. The historic building located north of the river in Kansas City, MO has been a landmark since it was originally built in 1976. The former KCMO Police-North Patrol Division, famous for its yellow and black color scheme, was vacated in 2017 and purchased by the current owners.

Owners of Cascade Health Services, including Jonna Weissenbach and Kellen Weissenbach, were introduced to Nexus 5 Group through Gary Kerns, a member of Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City. Following Nexus 5 Group’s successful renovation of HBA of KC corporate offices, and current relationship with the owners of Cascade, Gary Kerns recommended Nexus 5 Group as a possible fit.

Nexus 5 Group, along with architects from Gastinger Walker, stepped in to partner with Cascade Health Services. Gastinger Walker’s team, headed by Kaysha Rios and Emily Priest provided design development and construction administration throughout the project. Erik Knudsen and the team at BC Engineers, Inc. provided MEP design-build drawings and consultation.

The renovation of this building created a lot of “buzz” for northlanders.

There were passionate feelings about the historic landmark. Many were excited to see the building receive an exterior facelift in a growing northtown commercial area, and others were disappointed in the loss of the historic bumblebee look. The owners, whose current space is busting at the seams, were excited to stretch their arms and have a new place to call home.

The interior and exterior renovations included provision of new fire protection, new HVAC rooftop equipment and ductwork, roof replacement, exterior façade updates, asphalt and concrete work, and a full interior tenant finish. Interior finishes included glass partitions in each office and sliding glass doors and walls, a future elevator shaft and pit, new restrooms, plumbing, and electrical throughout, full kitchen, casework, and countertops, among many others.

The project has left Cascade Health Services room to grow into the lower level and is anticipated to develop into a second phase of tenant finish as their corporate team continues to see exponential growth.