KCPL Building (Kansas City, MO USA)

CITY: Kansas City, MO  
HEIGHT:  145 meters (476 feet)  
ARCHITECTS: Hoit, Price & Barnes  
YEAR BUILT: 1931  
FLOORS: 36  

The Kansas City Power and Light Building, also known as the Power and Light Building, is a historic skyscraper being the highest building in Missouri for over 50 years. The Kansas City Power and Light Building boasts a rich array of architectural elements that are quintessential to the Art Deco style. Here are some of its standout features:

Ziggurat Form: The building's profile features a stepped, ziggurat-like shape, which was a common motif in Art Deco skyscrapers.

Vertical Emphasis: Strong vertical lines and setbacks create an impression of upward movement, drawing the eye skyward.

Decorative Ornamentation: The exterior is adorned with geometric patterns and stylized motifs inspired by ancient cultures, such as zigzags, chevrons, and other abstract designs.

Limestone Facade: The building is clad in Indiana limestone, giving it a sleek and durable finish.

Ornate Lobby: The lobby is opulently decorated with polished stone, brass fixtures, and elaborate murals, reflecting the glamour and optimism of the 1930s.

Light Beacon: The top of the building features a 21-foot lantern that emits a luminous display, adding to the building's unique silhouette against the night sky.

These elements collectively make the Kansas City Power and Light Building a classic example of Art Deco architecture and an enduring icon in Kansas City's skyline.

Source(s): en.wikipedia.org, www.powerandlightkc.com