HOK at the Passenger Terminal Expo and Conference 2015 in Paris

Proposed St. Louis NFL stadium

HOK’s new Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice will draw on the firm’s expertise in other markets including Aviation + Transportation, Civic + Cultural, Commercial, Corporate, Education, Government, Healthcare, Hospitality, Justice, Residential, Retail, Science + Technology and Tall Buildings to provide clients with highly integrated solutions.

“We’re thrilled about leveraging HOK’s worldwide network to expand our sports, recreation and entertainment design practice while offering our clients design leadership in many other markets,” said Brad Schrock, AIA, a former 360 Architecture principal and a new director of HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice.

Basrah Sports City in Iraq

“This also provides HOK, a design leader in so many building types, with a strong presence in Kansas City and Columbus,” added Tom Waggoner , AIA, a former 360 Architecture principal and new managing principal of HOK’s Kansas City and Columbus offices. “We’re excited about the ability to expand our service offerings to clients in these regions.”

HOK’s Sports + Recreation + Entertainment practice designs mixed-use entertainment districts anchored by sporting venues that promote urban revitalization. As a game changer for cities, this approach is attractive to developers, municipal leaders and other civic-minded stakeholders. One of the group’s best-known projects is the Nationwide Arena District , which helped transform downtown Columbus by catalyzing approximately $1 billion in development around Nationwide Arena. The team also participated on the design of the Sprint Center and its neighboring eight-block, mixed-use Kansas City Power & Light District, and Edmonton’s new Rogers Place arena, which will open in 2016 and anchor the Edmonton Arena District that is expected to transform that city’s downtown into a vibrant, dynamic community.

“At the heart of our practice is a desire to help create thriving cities and regions,” said HOK President Bill Hellmuth , AIA. “With stadiums and arenas hosting more entertainment events, they can act as catalysts to invigorate urban districts or to attract people to a region. These venues need to be integrated with neighborhood facilities including hospitality, retail, residential and office space. With the addition of 360’s team, HOK is one of a handful of firms in the world that can bring highly specialized design leaders in each of these areas to create truly integrated solutions.”

MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey

Teams from both firms have been working on integration plans since announcing the agreement on August 19, 2014. “We have been focused on ensuring a seamless transition for 360’s people and clients,” said Hellmuth. “This process has confirmed the strong cultural fit between our firms. We both have a passion for design excellence and helping clients succeed.”

HOK’s re-entry into the Sports + Recreation + Entertainment market in 2015 coincides with the celebration of its 60th anniversary. After starting HOK Sport in 1983, the firm became a pioneer in redefining sports facilities and the fan experience. HOK spun off its sports practice in 2008. 360 Architecture was founded in Kansas City in 2004 through a merger of CDFM2 Architecture Inc. and Heinlein Schrock Stearns.

Read more: http://www.hok.com/about/news/2015/01/13/hok-completes-acquisition-of-360-architecture/