With doors opened to the public in June 2025, the upgraded Lenexa Old Town Activity Center stands as a testament to the power of innovative building materials and thoughtful design in creating spaces that foster community engagement. Among those materials were insulated metal panels from Kingspan Insulated Panels North America.

The facility has long served as a central gathering place for events, educational programs and recreational activities in the heart of Lenexa, Kansas. It underwent a major retrofit and expansion to meet the growing demand for space and enhance its ability to serve the community.

The aging facade was replaced, and a 900-square-foot mural by artist Evan Brown was installed, enhancing the building's visual appeal. The retrofit and expansion added 23,000 square feet, including a new east wing for over 50 city programs and a renovated west side with 1,300 square feet for larger program sizes.

With goals to create a visually distinctive building with a warmer, more modern appearance, the design of the building was shaped by public input gathered during both the A New Look at Old Town Lenexa study and the Lenexa Community Center/Senior Center study.

Ultimately, architect Multistudio selected insulated metal panels (IMPs) for the project. For a dynamic and varied appearance, 11,555 square feet of Kingspan QuadCore B Designwall R Series panels in multiple colors – Weathered Zinc, Silversmith, and a custom copper color – were installed by Standard Sheet Metal. QuadCore B Designwall R Series is a profiled, accented version of Designwall 2000 with ribs at 7/8” deep. This adds depth to the building's exterior, creating a visually engaging and modern design.

A total of 4,645 square feet of Kingspan QuadCore Designwall 4000 panels in a Champagne Bronze color were also installed to provide a sleek and sophisticated look.

These IMPs with QuadCore® Technology – Kingspan’s next generation of self-blended hybrid insulation core – offer R-values of R-8.0 per inch, in addition to being visually appealing. This strong thermal insulation helps to reduce the building's energy consumption and keep the building cool in the summer and warm in the winter, providing a comfortable environment for occupants while minimizing heating and cooling costs.

IMPs also provide a full air and water barrier, protecting the building from harsh weather conditions. The panels offer protection from rain, snow and high winds, ensuring that the building remains structurally sound and efficient over time.

“This is a fresh chapter for Old Town,” Logan Wagler, director of Lenexa Parks and Recreation, told KCTV5. “With its mix of indoor and outdoor amenities, this center will be a cornerstone for connection and community. Whether you’re a senior exploring new interests, a parent enrolling your child in a camp, or a resident looking for a place to gather and play, this new space will provide something for everyone.”