The Arcade on Armour: The Place Where Neighbors in KC Gather

PROGRAMMING

By Venn – VOL. 13

Powered by Mac and Venn, the Arcade on Armour opened its doors this spring, creating a place for Neighbors, local businesses and creators to come together to work, play, and connect. Formerly a underused warehouse, the space has been completely modernized and now offers a one-of-kind community space right in the heart of Midtown KC.

Part coworking space, part coffee shop, the Arc hosts cultural and community events from art installations to concerts, screenings and workshops. To celebrate its opening, Venn hosted a series of events for the entire neighborhood. Check out this photo essay for a peek.

For one of our first events at the Arc, we worked with neighbors in the Green Thumb gardening club to a plant swap.

Each neighbor brought their own clipping or plant and connected with other neighbors to swap.

The plants piled up and neighbors mingled as they sipped on DIY cocktails and mocktails made with fresh herbs, fruits, and juices.

As the evening wore on, beautiful light streamed through the space’s floor-to-ceiling windows filling it with a warm and welcoming glow.

Later that week, Venn neighbors, building ambassadors and sisters, Charlene and Celeste hosted a collaborative cooking class using the Arc’s open kitchen.

Neighbors worked together to cook up hearty pasta bolognese for dinner and a light mocha pudding for dessert.

It was practically impossible to decide whose bolognese was best. They were all so delicious, there were hardly an leftovers by the end!

For a mid-week afternoon break, neighbors gathered for an arts and crafts workshop hosted in partnership with Gianna, a local maker from Macrame Made KC.

Gianna worked with Neighbors of all creative backgrounds and skill levels to teach them the basics of this trendy craft produced by using a special knotting technique.

At the end of the worksop, Neighborhood Manger Arie Cutler reminded neighbors “This is your space. We cook, commune, and craft here together” and everyone got to take home their very own handmade macrame plantholder.

Later that week, a special group of neighbors were attended an intimate Dig In Dinner. It marked the first communal dinner in our new space and will be followed by many more.

We partnered with Taylor at Chef KC, who served up a variety of incredible homemade dishes from around the world. Neighbors loved it!

It was a really special night, offering neighbors an opportunity to connect with each other and members of the Venn team, and members of the Mac Building team as well.

Our grand opening event was an afternoon affair hosted on sunny Saturday afternoon. Neighbors gathered in the communal backyard as well as inside the Arc space.

Local bands performed throughout the event, leaving no doubt about the space’s acoustics. Their meant for live music!

The Arc offers a truly one of a kind space for community gathering and it was incredible to see so many old and new neighbors come out.

A local dance troupe was invited to perform on the Arc’s main stage, capitvating neighbors. We look forward to collaborating with more KC-based performers.