Kansas City’s Operation Breakthrough, a long-standing provider of early childhood education and support for children in poverty, has significantly expanded its impact with the “Ignition Lab,” a project designed by Clockwork Architecture + Design. Located at 3030 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO, this innovative facility officially opened in Fall 2021.

The Ignition Lab represents a strategic step for Operation Breakthrough, catering to students aged 14-18 who have aged out of their MakerCity program. This 18,200 SF site included a remodel and tenant finish of a former muffler shop, along with two pre-engineered metal building additions, was made possible through a generous partnership with Travis Kelce’s Eighty-Seven and Running Foundation.

Designed by Clockwork Architecture + Design and constructed by JE Dunn Construction, the Ignition Lab provides real-world learning experiences through various skills-based resources. These include:
• Student Co-working Facility: A flexible space for collaboration and independent work.
• Digital Media Lab: Equipped for podcasting, video editing, and music production.
• Makerspace: Featuring tools like CNC routers, 3D printers, and laser cutters for fabrication and product design.
• Automotive and Engineering Lab: In partnership with MindDrive, offering opportunities in welding, electric car building, and vintage car restoration.
• Culinary Arts Lab: Including a teaching kitchen and an on-site food truck run by students, focusing on food preparation, business skills, and catering.
• Other Labs: Dedicated spaces for graphic design, mechatronics, green tech (hydroponics, solar energy), computer technology (PC repair), and entrepreneurship.

The Ignition Lab aims to provide a safe haven for teenagers in often underserved communities, offering them role models, skill development in STEM fields, and pathways to future careers. Students can earn college credit, industry-recognized credentials, and gain valuable work experience through internships and client-connected projects. The facility also serves area high school students during the day, enhancing their classroom curriculum.

This project highlights Clockwork Architecture + Design’s commitment to creating spaces that not only meet functional needs but also foster growth and opportunity within the community. The “Operation Breakthrough Ignition Lab” is a testament to the power of collaboration in empowering the next generation in Kansas City.

Design: Clockwork Architecture + Design
Photography: Tony Thompson