Capitol Federal’s 129th Year

of True Blue® Service

 

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                                    
May 18, 2021                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Tom Hagen
Marketing Communications Manager
(785) 270-6182
thagen@capfed.com

Capitol Federal® and Architecture Students Celebrate Ribbon Cutting of New ‘Reptilian Pavilion’ at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center

 

May 18, 2021, Topeka, Kansas - Capitol Federal and the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design have collaborated to offer a unique experience to Topeka’s children. The Reptilian Pavilion, a concrete and steel structure designed to honor the original Capitol Federal building that stood in downtown Topeka from 1924 until 1960, will open at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center following phase one construction on May 27.  

 

MEDIA IS INVITED to film a ribbon cutting at the structure. Representatives from the University of Kansas School of Architecture and Design, Capitol Federal and the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will be available for interviews. 

Date: Thursday, May 27

Time: 1:00 pm

Location: Kansas Children’s Discovery Center in Gage Park, 4400 SW 10th Ave.

 

Third year KU architecture students enrolled in a design-build studio were inspired by the original Capitol Federal building at 534 Kansas Avenue in Topeka. The architectural landmark, designed by George Elmslie and within the Prairie Style originating in Chicago, blended local flora and themes derived from the State of Kansas in the sculptural details to produce a unique piece of architecture that carried with it stylistic blends emerging in major cities at that time. 

 

Working with retired Architect Jim Dunlap, who provided reference materials on the project, the students studied the nature-inspired architectural ornamentation of the original building crafted in terracotta. The students then designed a shade pavilion and interior exhibit on architecture to be installed at the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center. The pandemic delayed the project and placed the interior exhibit on permanent hold, but the outdoor structure was still needed. A second group of students has brought the project to life at the children’s museum, and a later group will install the terracotta tiles. 

 

The pavilion is the product of a partnership between the KU School of Architecture and Design, Capitol Federal, KBS Constructors, McClure Engineering, AZZ Galvanizing, Foley Equipment Rentals, the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center and other supporters. 

 

“Capitol Federal is proud to honor and celebrate our history in this unique and creative way,” said Tom Hagen, Corporate Communications for Capitol Federal.  “While our former CapFed® headquarters has since been demolished, the inspiration and real-world experience it has brought to these KU School of Architecture and Design students will last a lifetime.  We are excited that kids who come to the Kansas Children’s Discovery Center will have the opportunity to learn more about Topeka’s past, and about architecture, for generations to come.”

 

 

###