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Kivett and Myers

From Alfawiki
Kivett & Myers
Company typeArchitectural firm
IndustryArchitecture
Founded1931
FounderClarence Kivett
FateIncorporated into HNTB in 1975
SuccessorHNTB
Headquarters
Kansas City
,
United States
Area served
United States
Key people
Clarence Kivett, Ralph E. Myers
ProductsArchitectural design, especially professional sports stadiums

Kivett & Myers was an architectural firm based in Kansas City, Missouri, recognized as a trailblazer in the design of contemporary professional sports stadiums. Established in 1931 by Clarence Kivett, the company evolved into a partnership with Ralph E. Myers in 1945. In 1975, the firm was incorporated into HNTB.

History

One of Kivett's earliest significant works was the art deco landmark Katz Drug Store (1934) located in Kansas City. Ralph E. Myers became part of the team in 1940 and was elevated to partner status five years later. Their body of work also encompasses the Cumonow Residence, Missouri State Office Building, Temple B'nai Jehudah, Spencer Chemistry and Biological Sciences Building at University of Missouri–Kansas City, Fairmount Hotel within Country Club Plaza, and the clubhouse at Mission Hills Country Club.

Adhering to modernist design philosophies, Kivett & Myers played a pivotal role in shaping Kansas City's architectural identity. Their notable projects include the terminals and control tower at Kansas City International Airport, distinguished by its "C" shaped configuration that enhances gate accessibility, as well as the Truman Sports Complex, which serves as the venue for both the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals.

Their stadium innovations introduced spiral ramps for accessing upper seating tiers, a feature visible in Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium and Arrowhead Stadium, along with the former Giants Stadium in New Jersey. The 1967 design marked a breakthrough by creating separate baseball and football stadiums that shared parking facilities—a novel approach that replaced traditional multipurpose stadiums. Although a shared rolling roof between the two stadiums was proposed, it was ultimately discarded due to financial constraints but inspired future architectural concepts elsewhere.

Following the acquisition by HNTB in 1975, Clarence Kivett retired, while Ralph Myers became HNTB’s inaugural architectural partner before retiring in 1982. At the time of this transition, significant projects underway included airports in Lisbon and Munich.

Over a span of thirty years, Kivett & Myers earned nearly fifty percent of design awards from the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), highlighting their dominance and esteem within the regional industry.

Legacy

While HNTB stands as the official successor to Kivett & Myers, numerous former employees have established more than fifty independent architecture firms throughout Kansas City. The most prominent among these is BNIM, founded in 1970 by R. Bruce Patty alongside three other ex-Kivett associates.

HNTB expanded its strategic focus on designing professional stadiums, indoor arenas, and ballparks. In 1983, several architects from HNTB initiated a sports architecture division for Hellmuth, Obata & Kassabaum in Kansas City; this group later transformed into the independent firm Populous (architects), operating internationally with offices in Kansas City, London, and Brisbane. Additionally, in 1988 some architects departed HNTB to establish a sports architecture office under Ellerbe Becket, renowned for its work on professional indoor arenas and major stadium projects.

Clarence Kivett

Clarence Kivett (1905–1996), originally named Clarence Kivovitch and born in Saint Paul, Minnesota, earned his Bachelor of Science degree in architecture from the University of Kansas in 1928. Early professional experience included positions at Kansas City firms Madorie & Bihr and Hoit, Price & Barnes. The economic downturn during the Great Depression led to his exit from Hoit, Price & Barnes in 1931.

During World War II, Kivett oversaw Air Force construction activities at Knob Noster, Missouri. He was a respected figure within the American Institute of Architects (AIA), achieving Fellowship status in 1967. Married since 1934, he concluded his career with distinction and passed away at age 91 in Kansas City.

Ralph E. Myers

Ralph Elbert Myers (1917–2007), originally from Kansas City, completed his Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Illinois in 1940. Following a brief period working with Kivett and teaching at Finlay Engineering College, he joined North American Aviation during the Second World War, where he managed plant design for a span of four years.

In 1964, Myers was honored as a Fellow of the AIA. Throughout his career, he made notable impacts on regional architecture and continued his professional endeavors until passing away at the age of 90 in Prairie Village, Kansas.

Architectural works

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