MCPL Culinary Literacy Center
Creating a destination for the discovery of new culinary ventures
Devised as a cutting-edge culinary literacy center, the Green Hills Library Center energizes the area as an incubator for new restaurateurs and puts healthy food options on display. Incubator kitchens and a commercial test kitchen supports small businesses and entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. Rentable to small business owners and start-ups, the kitchens provide commercial grade equipment to support their exploration into the industry. In addition to kitchen space, ample dry and cold storage facilities are located on-site. These resources provide to food truck vendors as well.
Location: Kansas City, MO
Size: 36,000 SF
Designed in collaboration with SAPP Design Architects, the building is anchored by an active coffee shop, which is visible from a major corridor with a playful chandelier sculpture of coffee mugs floating overhead. Patrons are also able to shop the goods produced from the entrepreneurial chefs within the incubator kitchens.
To establish a strong connection to the community, appearance made by specialty chefs introduce patrons to culinary traditions from around the world. An inherent goal of the Green Hills Library Center was to improve patron health by inspiring them to prepare fresh, healthy meals at home through interactive demonstrations. This education extends to the children’s area, which incorporates playful seating that features healthy produce.
