In the heart of Kansas City, amidst the sprawling landscape of transformation and progress, stands the monumental Cerner Innovations Campus, a testament to the collaborative efforts of JE Dunn Construction and Cerner, recently acquired by Oracle, two giants in their respective fields.
For years, Cerner had been a loyal client of JE Dunn, and their partnership had flourished over time, marking milestones in architectural marvels and cutting-edge construction.
In the beginning, JE Dunn Construction worked with Cerner to refine their original World Headquarters Campus to attract employees and serve as a showcase to potential clients. What began as a recladding and iconic connector spire addition to their original buildings grew to include an employee development center and the company’s original data center, a precursor to the grandeur that would soon unfold for the international healthcare technology company. As the years passed, the collaboration led to the construction of the West Campus building near the Kansas Speedway. Rising majestically, two nine-story buildings graced the skyline, offering a combined space of approximately 640,000 square feet, setting the stage for what was to come.
The journey continued as JE Dunn embarked on the pinnacle of their collaboration, the Cerner Innovations Campus, situated on the former grounds of the iconic Bannister Mall and historic Benjamin Ranch property in South Kansas City. Over four distinct phases, JE Dunn orchestrated the construction of four towering buildings, connector links and secure welcome centers. Two of the office buildings soared to eight stories, while the other two reached an impressive height of 11 stories encompassing a staggering 1,600,000 square feet of Class A office space. The campus was more than just a collection of buildings; it was a visionary hub designed to inspire and empower employees, fostering creativity and collaboration at every turn.
One of the defining features of the Cerner Innovations Campus is its meticulous attention to detail and high-end finishes. From the sleek metal panels adorning the exteriors to the plush interiors boasting marble countertops and plaster walls, every aspect exuded elegance and sophistication.
However, it was the innovative amenities within the campus that truly set it apart, designed to attract job candidates. Employees were treated to a plethora of amenities, including a maker space equipped with 3D printers, game rooms adorned with video games and ping pong tables, and outdoor recreational areas featuring cornhole and oversized chess pieces. Additionally, the campus boasted a Starbucks, a fitness center complete with an on-site clinic, a library, and a food court offering a diverse array of culinary delights.
“They’re all things that you don’t usually see every day,” Project Director Matt Jansen said. “Just seeing the people use the space as it was designed and seeing the cool things they’ve done with them has been really rewarding.”
Yet, beyond the physical grandeur of the campus, it was the sense of pride and accomplishment that resonated deeply within the JE Dunn team, Jansen said. Driving past the campus, seeing the tangible manifestation of their hard work and dedication, evoked a profound sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. It was a reminder of the lasting impact their contributions had made on the landscape of Kansas City.
While the dynamics of the market may have shifted, and the campus has changed hands, the legacy of JE Dunn’s collaboration with Oracle | Cerner remained etched in the annals of architectural history.
“We had a blast doing these jobs,” Jansen said.