Pendulum KC

For Immediate Release: Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Makes a Pitch for the Future

Media Contact:
Michaela Simpson
Pendulum Studio LLC
Michaela.simpson@pendulumkc.com
(816) 335-3030

Kansas City Based Architecture and Design Firm, Pendulum Studio in Partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Just Released an Innovative Design Concept for the Nation’s Only Negro Leagues Campus

Kansas City, MO – May 4, 2023 – As an architect having a meaningful role in 29 ballparks and counting since 1995, Pendulum’s founding principal and CEO Jonathan O’Neil Cole has an undeniable expertise in the ballpark building type and a passion for the game of baseball.

When Cole spent time with the great Buck O’Neil in 2005 as documented by our recent story “Hanging with Mr. Buck O’Neil”, it is evident Buck made a major impression on how Cole sees the game. Fast-forward to May 2, 2023 when the who’s who of Kansas City including Congressman Emanuel Cleaver; Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas; Frank White Jr., Jackson County Executive; Kathy Nelson, President & CEO, Kansas City Sports Commission; and John Sherman, Chairman & CEO Kansas City Royals gathered at the NLBM Field of Legends to unveil an innovative new vision for a Negro Leagues Campus designed by Pendulum Studio and announce the award of a $1 million grant from Bank of America by Matt Linski, president, Bank of America Kansas City, the crowd went wild!

The new state of the art facility will be built adjacent to the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center (BOERC) which will now be housed in the former Paseo YMCA. That historic building is where Andrew “Rube” Foster established the Negro Leagues in 1920. With help from the anchor grant, the new NLBM, in combination with the BOERC, will create a “Negro Leagues Campus” that will become the gateway into Kansas City’s famed Historic 18th & Vine District.

“I’ve designed quite a few ballparks over the tenure of my career. After founding Pendulum in 2007 there’s not a day that passes without something related to baseball being on my drafting table. The opportunity for my firm to lead the way in not only honoring the history of the game, especially as it relates to the African American experience and the legends of the past, but to also look ahead to the future through innovation, technology, and design is an incredible honor and weighty responsibility – we are very appreciative of Mr. Kendrick and the NLBM Board’s confidence in Pendulum as this project gets underway,” said Cole.

The images below are a very brief glimpse of the collaborative design process that has taken place to date between NLBM stakeholders and Pendulum. There is still plenty of work to be done. As the project progresses there will be much more to see so stay tuned!

For More Information

Please visit the NLBM “Pitch for the Future” landing page for a showcase of the Pendulum virtual reality design and an opportunity to donate to this worthy cause.

About Pendulum

Hanging With Mr. Buck O’Neil

This short story illustrates how inspiration feeds design

The Light

Our CEO Jonathan O’Neil Cole had the privilege of hanging with Mr. Buck O’Neil and Mr. Bob Kendrick at the 2005 Baseball Winter Meetings in Dallas, TX – It was a day he’ll never forget!

This is the story of how Buck’s light shined so bright that it inspired a chain reaction of events that continue to resonate 17 years later. Pendulum’s collaboration with Mr. Sean Kane on the Buck O’Neil tribute painted glove was incredibly special. The images below are the illustrator’s design notes as we progressed through the process of design.

In addition to the Buck O’Neil Tribute Glove, Pendulum commissioned Sean Kane to paint a tribute to Hank Greenberg pictured below.

The Look Ahead

While many organizations use this time of year to reflect on past accomplishments, Pendulum’s focus is straight ahead. We are committed to more dynamic collaborations with incredibly talented and passionate creatives. Stay tuned for several major announcements first quarter 2023.

Acknowledgments

Original Music: Joshua Williams
Painted Gloves: Sean Kane
Jacket Art: Billy Kheel
Autographed Bat: MidCoast Limosine

For Immediate Release – Pendulum’s Downtown Kansas City Royals Ballpark Village Concept Wins RTF 2022 International Design Award

November 23, 2022

https://awards.re-thinkingthefuture.com/acda-2022-winners/downtown-kansas-city-royals-ballpark-pendulum-studio/

Pendulum is honored to share that our Downtown Kansas City Royals ballpark village concept has been awarded a Rethinking The Future (@rthinkingfuture) 2022 Architecture, Construction & Design Award for Sports & Recreation.

The Small Big Idea

With the development and growth of downtown Kansas City in recent years the “what if” question pops up often as it relates to the possibility of the Kansas City Royals moving downtown. In late 2019 Pendulum CEO Jonathan O’Neil Cole challenged the Pendulum staff to dream a little and answer the question “what if” with an expert analysis of existing surface lots in an area of downtown Kansas City known as East Village.

“Pendulum designs sports anchored campuses across the nation, the latest being Cool Today Park, the spring training home of the Atlanta Braves located in North Port, Florida . The potential of the Royals moving downtown has been the elephant in the room for quite some time, a very uncomfortable conversation that not very many people wanted to have in the past. I saw the opportunity to explore the idea being just several blocks from our headquarters, it was a great team building exercise,” said Cole.

On January 30, 2020 Pendulum made our unsanctioned response to “what if” public with the statement: “The ballpark of the future will engage the community.” From our perspective and professional experience a ballpark village should create opportunities for community development beyond baseball. It should be a hub of commerce and pedestrian activity. While passionate feedback from both sides of the debate ensued, the future from Royals stakeholder perspectives had been quiet.

Moving Forward

On November 15, 2022 Kansas City Royals Chairman and CEO John Sherman issued an open letter to Kansas City that made his thoughts on the subject very clear. In his letter Mr. Sherman issued conceptual images of a vision for downtown Kanas City that reinforced a number of Pendulum’s initial thoughts – a proof in concept that we were on the right rack. As the conversation continues we look to the future with optimism and, we will continue to influence a narrative of progress and community advancement. As the old adage goes, “people hate change but love progress.”

Many thanks to Rethinking The Future and the Jury Panel for their hard work and consideration. It is humbling and an absolute honor to be recognized by our international design peers.

#pendulumhadtheanswer

The Pendulum Ballpark Village Concept in the News

Why an award-winning KC firm designed a downtown Royals stadium (sky pool included) for free

Firm Offers a Vision to Drive K.C. Ballpark Conversation

Pendulum sets out vision for downtown Royals ballpark

RTF Awards Invites Architects and Interior Designers from across the world to submit their built/concept projects

“Rethinking The Future Awards program aims to bring exceptional works in the field of Architecture the prestige they deserve. The objective of these awards is to raise awareness around the strategies Architects and Designers are employing to deal with the contemporary global challenges, and to bring the best of such projects into the light to inspire the next generation”

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WISCONSIN TIMBER RATTLERS ANNOUNCE BALLPARK IMPROVEMENTS FOR 2023

A New Era

Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium will look a lot different when the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers take the field in 2023. Third Base Ventures, the owners of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, announced a major renovation project for the home of the Midwest League affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon.

The project will be undertaken by Appleton-based Boldt Construction with the design provided by Pendulum Studio, an architectural firm out of Kansas City, Missouri specializing in baseball/sports stadiums. Boldt built the stadium, which opened in 1995. Both Boldt and Pendulum worked together on the most recent renovation after the 2012 season.

This set of stadium renovations has been developed to meet the new standards for Minor League Baseball facilities as set forward in the Player Development License granted to the Third Base Ventures in 2020. The Wisconsin Timber Rattlers under the leadership of Rob Zerjav have consistently proven themselves to be thought-leaders in baseball operations, community advocacy, and family friendly entertainment.

Project Details

There will be new seating areas, improved player amenities, an expanded concourse that will encircle the entire stadium, and an eye-catching three-story slide as part of this stadium upgrade.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to announce the stadium renovation plans for the 2023 season which will create one of the best home clubhouses in all Minor League Baseball while drastically increasing the quality of space for visiting teams,” said Rob Zerjav, President, CEO, and Managing Partner of Third Base Ventures/Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. “We can’t wait for our fans to experience the new stadium renovations which will add new outdoor suites above the left field wall, widen the existing concourse, allow fans to walk around the entire field and – last but not least – take a ride on the three-story slide in the leftfield corner.”

The slide, a fixture of Milwaukee Brewers baseball for years, is an homage to the Timber Rattlers parent club. There will be one difference between the slides. The slide at Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium will be available for all fans to use during games.

The existing concourse will be widened by pushing handicapped seating towards the field while increasing the capacity for those fans in wheelchairs. Fans will now be able to walk around the entire field as the existing boardwalk will be connected to a new walkway and seating area above the leftfield wall that will wrap around to the area near the Festival Grill and Brews on Third.

The seating area above the left field wall will feature three covered, open-air suites as well as additional ticketed seating and general admission seating. Each of the three outdoor suites above the outfield wall will seat twenty with seating food and beverage options. The three suites may be combined into one 60-person suite for larger groups.

Another new area for fans is the Home Plate Club, an all-inclusive picnic area directly behind the box seats in Sections 100, 101, and 102, to accommodate groups of 75 or more. This area will include a mixture of drink rail and high-top table seating with a 90-minute all-you-can-eat buffet that includes food and two beverages per person.

2023 Vision

“Pendulum’s design collaboration with the Timber Rattlers on the successful 2013 renovation of Neuroscience Group Field at Fox Cities Stadium was transformational – it made a statement,” said Pendulum’s lead architect and CEO, Jonathan O’Neil Cole. “One of the things that makes the current phase of planned improvements so special is the fact that our organizations continue to grow together. The latest round of amenities are a culmination of our experience in the market place, new ideas, proven successes, and innovative ways of creating unique and exciting experiences for attendees at games and events. We sincerely believe visiting organizations, Timber Rattlers players, coaching staff, and fans will be blown away by how an already first class facility will be taken to the next level. The bar has just been raised for all comparable sports facilities across the nation.”

A major change for the players is that the home and visitor clubhouses will be switching sides for next season. The visitors are moving to the current Timber Rattlers clubhouse and will be in the third base dugout starting in 2023. The Rattlers will be in the first base dugout and the current visitor clubhouse will get an extreme makeover before the Timber Rattlers can call it their home.

The new home clubhouse will be twice the size of the existing home clubhouse and will feature a new circular locker room, two indoor batting cages, two player-focused areas for nutrition and relaxation, expanded offices for coaches and a dedicated female locker room, an expanded training area, and a large weight room connected to an outdoor player agility field.

Fox 11 News Press Conference link

Click the link above to view the full press conference via Fox 11 News

Pendulum Celebrates 15 Years of Innovation

On July 1, 2022 Pendulum celebrated 15 years in the architectural and design marketplace. We’ve been labeled a lot of things over the years, our favorites include “disruptors”, “innovators”, and “market challengers”. More than anything we are incredibly thankful for our mentors, collaborators, families, and staff for supporting our award winning progress over the years. We invite you to enjoy our 15 year video below as a few of our Pendulum family members discuss our 15 year milestone and where they see us headed in the future.

Pendulum stakeholders and collaborators discuss their 15 year milestone

Stay tuned for weekly announcements every Friday in July. We have a lot to share about the next chapter in our history. For a recap of past celebrations starting at year 10: @pendulum_kc

Credits

Videographer – John Iiams, Pendulum
Video Edit – Joshua Williams, Behr Production
Original Music Score – Joshua Williams, Behr Production
Logo Design – Jake McClure, Pendulum

For Immediate Release: Pendulum Studio Announces Expansion Plans into Gastonia

Media Contact:
Veronica Jeon
VSJ, Inc.
vjeon@vsjinc.com
202-803-3303

CaroMont Health Park’s Architectural Design Firm Sets the Stage for Strategic Expansion to Embrace Aggressive Growth, Innovation, and Diversity

Gastonia, NC – January 11, 2022 – In response to increased demand for its award-winning architectural and professional design services, Pendulum Studio, a Kansas City, MO-based design firm, is announcing its expansion into Gastonia, NC

Pendulum Studio, an architectural design firm devoted to strategy-oriented projects and client-centered relationships, has spent over a decade implementing their design philosophy and process from region to region. Pendulum has a diverse portfolio of projects across the Country, including 28 sports and entertainment facilities. Their proven track record has created an opportunity to expand their footprint in the City of Gastonia to leverage the area’s diverse architecture, design, and community enhancement.

Pendulum creates award-winning designs and innovative concepts under the leadership of award-winning architect and CEO Jonathan O’Neil Cole, who has made significant impacts on communities across the nation for the last 15 years. Mr. Cole has an eye for design that is complemented by his ability to realize the potential of every project to deliver long-term value to his clients and their stakeholders. He has developed an expertise in the development of community-oriented designs that foster environmental and economic sustainability.

In October 2017, Pendulum was selected from amongst several qualified architectural firms by the City of Gastonia to design CaroMont Health Park, the transformative sports and entertainment anchor in the Franklin Urban Sports and Entertainment District (FUSE). With the announcement of real estate developer and entrepreneur, Brandon Bellamy, as owner of the Gastonia Honey Hunters, Pendulum was tapped by the City of Gastonia to fine-tune the ballpark design to reflect the personality and operational needs of the organization.

“Brandon Bellamy describes the shared qualities of the Honey Hunters brand and the City of Gastonia as resilient, fearless, and determined — all of which resonate with me and who I am as an individual and what Pendulum has had to be to thrive in the sports architecture marketplace for the last 15 years,” said Jonathan O’Neil Cole, Founding Principal, Pendulum Studio. “I’ve had the privilege of developing relationships with Mayor Walker Reid, III, and the City of Gastonia staff as we collaborated over the last three years to make FUSE a success. This partnership elevated my decision to move forward with opening a satellite office in the heart of the FUSE district, and to make a positive impact in the Gaston community.”

The super graphics, signage, and wayfinding throughout CaroMont Health Park is the product of hours of collaboration between Bellamy and Cole.

Pendulum has set the stage for strategic expansion to embrace aggressive growth, innovation, and diversity. As they look toward the future, Pendulum plans to continue collaborating with the Honey Hunters and the City of Gastonia with a focus on launching the second phase of the economic redevelopment vision for adjacent parcels. For a sneak peek of this vision: http://www.pendulumkc.com/#/fuse-development-concept/

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About Pendulum Studio:
We are more than a studio, more than architects, more than designers, we are a movement – a movement that creates the right solutions that perform beyond expectation, beyond definition. As experts in an array of architectural types, we have focused our practice on community enhancement, specialty projects, and sports facility design. Although we are a small firm, a key differentiation between Pendulum and large firms is the fact that when you select Pendulum you get dedicated and direct involvement of the principal owner of the firm. Our principal owner is a “working principal” so the high expectations we have outlined for our staff is the same expectation of our principal as it relates all aspects of project delivery including sketching, drafting, 3D modeling, project documentation, and exhibiting an overall knowledge of advanced industry technology and market trends. For more information on Pendulum Studio, visit http://www.pendulumkc.com/

About Jonathan Cole:
Jonathan Cole is the founding principal of Pendulum Studio, a Kansas City, MO based architectural practice that specializes in the design and documentation of civic structures, multi-family housing, and sports facilities. Cole is responsible for national business development, design, and management of sports projects that range in value from five to fifty million dollars each. He has an eye for design that is complimented by his ability to realize in every project the potential to deliver long-term value to his clients and their stakeholders. Cole has developed an expertise in the development of community-oriented designs that foster environmental and economic sustainability. It is for this reason that Cole is considered one of the leading minds in the sports facility design world.

For Immediate Release: Pendulum Studio Accelerates Growth With Expansion Into Maryland

Media Contact:
Veronica Jeon
VSJ, Inc.
vjeon@vsjinc.com
202-803-3303

Greenbelt, MD – November 30, 2021 – Pendulum Studio (Pendulum), an architectural design firm devoted to strategy-oriented projects and client-centered relationships, is expanding to the Maryland market, to accommodate rapid growth and leverage the area’s diverse architecture, design, and community enhancement.

With Kansas City as the base of its operation, Pendulum has spent over a decade implementing their design philosophy and process from region to region. Pendulum has a diverse portfolio of projects across the Country, including 28 sports and entertainment facilities. The volume of work that they are projecting for the future has created an opportunity to expand their footprint in a way that allows them to work faster and more efficiently.

Pendulum has spent the last three years assembling personnel and resources that set the stage for strategic expansion with a focus on regions, like Maryland, that embrace aggressive growth, innovation, and diversity.

Many have commented that Pendulum is one of “the best kept secrets” in architecture.

Pendulum created award-winning designs and innovative concepts under the leadership of award-winning architect and CEO Jonathan O’Neil Cole, who has made significant impacts on communities across the nation for the last 15 years. Mr. Cole has an eye for design that is complimented by his ability to realize the potential of every project to deliver long-term value to his clients and their stakeholders. He has developed an expertise in the development of community-oriented designs that foster environmental and economic sustainability.

“The decision to expand our presence into Maryland was a logical step in our business growth strategy,” said Jonathan O’Neil Cole, Principal, Pendulum Studio. “We have the opportunity to further expand staffing and capabilities in design and documentation of civic structures, multi-family housing, and sports facilities, as well as increase our ability to service current and future markets.

For more information on Pendulum Studio, visit
http://www.pendulummd.com

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Lighting the ‘FUSE’ on a Dream Like Ballpark In NC

“Architect Cole has broken the code for creating 5,000-seat ballparks for half the budget of other such facilities.” – Jock Mock USA Today Sports

USA Today Sports Weekly released an in-depth article by Joe Mock. The article chroniclesMock’s recent visit to CaroMont Health Park, home of the Gastonia Honey Hunters. The Honey Hunters are the newest Atlantic League team located in Gastonia, NC.

on May 27, 2021 CaroMont Health Park opened to a capacity crowd. To add to the fanfare, Earvin “Magic” Johnson made an in-person appearance as a show of support to the Gastonia community and team owner Brandon Bellamy.

Click this link to read the full article: USA Today Sports Weekly June 23 – 29, 2021

CaroMont Health Park/FUSE District Phase Two Development Concept

Phase one construction for the ballpark is complete, now our sights are set on the surrounding commercial development. Pendulum authored an advance look at what phase two may entail – see image above for a broad overview. Pendulum will continue to expand our efforts at “breaking the code” forward thinking design. Affordable solutions to economic development with sport facilities as the catalyst for growth is our specialty.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: PENDULUM MAKES FURTHER INVESTMENT IN GASTONIA

Pendulum gives back to Gastonia Community Kids & Local Heroes

Media Contact:

Veronica Jeon

Gastonia Honey Hunters

media@gohoneyhunters.com

(202) 803-3303

Gastonia, NC – June 10, 2021 – The Gastonia Honey Hunters Baseball Team announced a new initiative that will positively impact communities in Gastonia. Jonathan Cole, Founding Principal of Pendulum Studio, and architect of the CaroMont Ballpark in the FUSE District has entered into an agreement with the Team to purchase season tickets, which will be donated to deserving students or local heroes in the City.

The initiative titled, “Mayor’s Choice Presented by Pendulum” is a three-year commitment for four (4) season tickets to Honey Hunters home games. The seats are located on the front row directly behind home plate, which will provide attendees with the ultimate baseball game experience. In partnership with the City of Gastonia, deserving youth and local residents will be selected to attend each game.

“I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Cole for this substantial contribution to the Gaston community,” said Gastonia’s Mayor Walker E. Reid, III. “Our residents are a precious resource, and it is important that we work together as a community to help them see that they have our support.”

One of the leading minds in the sports facility design world, Jonathan Cole has led design efforts on over 28 minor league ballparks across the nation in the past 25 years.

“We are thrilled to announce our newest community-based initiative and we are delighted to assist the underserved in our community,” said Team Owner Brandon Bellamy. “Through this partnership, we are grateful to Jonathan Cole and Pendulum to be able to provide local residents and youth with this incredible experience.”

Mr. Cole said that the partnership between the City, Brandon Bellamy, and the Honey Hunters inspired him to invest in Gastonia’s future that starts with the youth, specifically youth that may never have had the opportunity to experience a professional sporting event from the front row.

“During the past three years Pendulum has worked with the City of Gastonia, I’ve been impressed with Mayor’s Reid’s consistent vision for the city’s growth and development,” said Jonathan Cole, Pendulum Founding Principal. “The Mayor and Brandon Bellamy have always put emphasis on the fact that the ballpark is for everyone. It is my commitment to build bridges and develop emotional muscle memory that encourages the community to give back to others when they can.”

The donation represents an ongoing commitment by Pendulum Studio to provide support that assists vulnerable populations, which has historically included financial assistance toward disaster relief and recovery, promoting positive relationship skills, and building mental health resiliency.

To nominate a deserving youth or recognize a local hero in the Gaston community, click here.

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About Gastonia Honey Hunters Baseball: Located in Gastonia, NC, just minutes west of Charlotte, the Gastonia Honey Hunters is one of the newest teams in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB). The Atlantic League is the first Professional Partner League of Major League Baseball, a leader in baseball innovation, and a player gateway to Major League Baseball. Led by team owner, Brandon Bellamy, a passionate and purpose-driven real estate entrepreneur and CEO of The Velocity Companies, Honey Hunters Baseball aims to provide Gaston County with family-friendly entertainment and first-rate baseball, taking the field for its inaugural season in 2021. The newly-constructed 5,000-seat FUSE ballpark is the team’s home field, offering fans an intimate and memorable experience, as well as a year-long calendar of exciting events, including concerts, sporting events and community celebrations. For more information on Honey Hunters Baseball, please visit www.GoHoneyHunters.com. To sign up for Honey Hunters announcements, please join our mailing list here. Instagram: @GoHoneyHunters; Twitter: @GoHoneyHunters; Facebook: /GoHoneyHunters

About Jonathan O’Neil Cole AIA, NCARB, NOMA: Jonathan O’Neil Cole is the founding principal of Pendulum Studio, a Kansas City, MO based architectural practice that specializes in the design and documentation of civic structures, multi-family housing, and sports facilities. Cole is responsible for national business development, design, and management of sports projects. He has an eye for design that is complimented by his ability to realize in every project the potential to deliver long-term value to his clients and their stakeholders. Cole has developed an expertise in the development of community-oriented designs that foster environmental and economic sustainability. It is for this reason that Cole is considered one of the leading minds in the sports facility design world. For more information, please visit www.pendulumkc.com.

FUSE District – Rounding Third

On October 30th the City of Gastonia, NC hosted a series of tours of the soon to be completed ballpark. Despite the global pandemic construction is on track for first quarter 2021 events. Pendulum’s CEO Jonathan O’Neil Cole toured the FUSE complex with VenuesNow’s Don Muret and talked shop.

In addition to Cole and Muret, Brandon Bellamy – Owner of the team, and Mayor Walker Reid III joined the tour and offered their thoughts on this exciting project. For an in depth account of the visit see below.

VenuesNow Coverage of Construction

Page one of VenuesNow article dated November 28, 2020

Page 2 of VenuesNow article dated November 28, 2020

Page 3 of VenuesNow article dated November 28, 2020

On Deck: FUSE District Phase Two

Fuse District Phase Two rendering illustrating plans for surrounding development

The intent from the very inception of the Fuse District is economic redevelopment. The Velocity Companies has a reputation for just that, so we are optimistic about what the future holds for the City of Gastonia. As stated in previous posts, the vision of Mayor Walker Reid III and City Manager Michael Peoples has generated excitement in the region. The recent groundbreaking of the Trenton Mill housing and Durty Bull Brewing Company projects is proof of growing momentum.

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