Stanley Herzog Foundation

Headquarters that Showcase Exceptional Craftsmanship

Smithville, MO

The Stanley M. Herzog Foundation needed more than just office space – they envisioned a headquarters that would reflect their mission of supporting Christian education while providing a sophisticated venue for events and training programs. What emerged was an 18,300 SF office and event complex that pushed the boundaries of craftsmanship and material sourcing.

This $15.5 million project brought together natural limestone from a small Kansas quarry, custom white oak millwork, and specialized construction techniques that our teams had never attempted before. The challenge wasn’t just building to spec – it was executing a vision that demanded perfection in every detail.

The exterior showcases hand-pitched natural limestone that we sourced from a unique quarry in central Kansas. This wasn’t machine-cut stone – every piece was hand-chiseled and hand-pitched, requiring our crews to literally unload semi-trucks by hand to protect the material. We’d never done anything quite like it, but the architect’s vision for this specific limestone color and texture drove us to develop new handling methods on the spot.

Inside, the foundation’s commitment to excellence shows in every surface. White oak cabinetry, casework, and wall panels create warmth throughout the space, while polished concrete floors incorporate pea gravel pulled directly from the Missouri River. The large event space features acoustical plaster that looks like standard drywall but provides superior sound control without visible equipment.

One of our biggest coordination challenges involved integrating lighting and fire suppression systems into custom millwork ceiling channels. The shop drawing process alone generated 600 pages for the architectural millwork – more documentation than we typically see on much larger projects. We managed 600-700 submittals compared to our usual 100-200, requiring expanded project management resources to keep everything moving forward.

Our self-performed concrete work included the specialized polished concrete floors with local aggregate, while our steel crews handled the structural erection. We also took on earthwork responsibilities and supplemented the waterproofing contractor by installing rigid insulation below grade.

Even the landscaping pushed boundaries. The landscape package required hand-locating every single plant with the landscape architect. We’d stake locations, receive feedback, and adjust until each placement was perfect. Some plantings required full mockups, and we brought in a 30-foot tree from Chicago because no local source could provide the caliber they needed.

The finished building serves as both the foundation’s operational headquarters and a venue for their educational outreach programs, complete with a dedicated podcast room. The combination of natural materials, custom millwork, and thoughtful space planning created an environment that supports their mission while showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.

Project Facts

Industry Sector: Commercial – Retail & Office
Cost: $14,041,593
Size: 18,300 SF
Delivery Method: Construction Management, CM at Risk
Self-Perform: Earthwork, Steel Erection, Concrete
Owner: The Stanley M. Herzog Foundation
Architect: GastingerWalker, Focal Design Studio