Tag: #PendulumKC

Honoring Legacy: The Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat

Honoring Legacy: Jonathan O’Neil Cole Receives the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat at Kauffman Stadium

On June 29, 2025, something unforgettable happened.

Pendulum founder and CEO, Jonathan O’Neil Cole was seated in a place that represents far more than just a view of the field—it’s a symbol of excellence, character, and community impact. During the “Salute to the Negro Leagues” at Kauffman Stadium, with the Kansas City Royals vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers on deck, Jonathan was named the recipient of the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat, one of the most meaningful honors in Pendulum’s history.

And it all started with a phone call.

When Negro Leagues Baseball Museum President Bob Kendrick rang Jonathan and asked if he’d be in town on June 29, the answer was simple. What followed, however, was anything but expected.

More Than a Game — A Movement

The Negro Leagues Baseball Museum (NLBM) is more than a historical institution. It’s a cultural force—a global symbol of perseverance, innovation, and pride. From the earliest days of Pendulum, we’ve stood behind the NLBM’s mission to tell the story of Black baseball and, in doing so, tell a deeper story about America.

That mission has resonated deeply with us—not only because of our Kansas City roots, but because architecture, like baseball, is about legacy. It’s about building things that matter. And for Jonathan, that alignment has never been more personal.

The Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat: A Living Tribute

The Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat is reserved for individuals who embody the same values that Buck O’Neil carried throughout his life: hope, integrity, courage, and community leadership. It’s not something you apply for. You’re called to it.

And on this night, that call was answered with humble gratitude.

As the stadium lights hit the seats and cheers rose around Kauffman, Jonathan sat not just as an architect, but as a steward of Black excellence in design, a supporter of cultural institutions, and a proud son of Kansas City. This moment wasn’t just recognition—it was a celebration of impact in motion.

A Salute to Legacy and Future

We’re grateful to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, to @nlbmprez Bob Kendrick, and to the @kcroyals for this incredible recognition. It reflects not only Jonathan’s journey, but Pendulum’s ongoing commitment to designing with purpose, building for communities, and honoring the past while shaping the future.

To be chosen for the Buck O’Neil Legacy Seat is to join a story bigger than baseball—and we’re honored to be part of it.

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

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.

For Immediate Release – Pendulum Thinks It’s Time For A New Downtown Royals Ballpark

Click this hyperlink to visit our interactive model at www.kansascitylovestheroyals.com