LEGO® Master Model Builder Immortalizes Local Favorites Joe’s KC, The Roasterie and Boulevard in Mini-Kansas City

KANSAS CITY (4/1/2019) – Barbecue, bottling lines and freshly brewed coffee beckon local media and Kansas City VIPs to the skyline of LEGOLAND® Discovery Center’s MINILAND. On Thursday, April 18 the center will unveil an entirely new section of the miniature Kansas City replica that showcases iconic landmark additions. Boulevard Brewing Company, Joe’s Kansas City and The Roasterie are highlighted as part of the project. A portion of the city’s West Bottoms district featuring historic and unique architecture join the additions along with the existing elements of MINILAND spanning over the Country Club Plaza, Downtown Kansas City, Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums and Crown Center.

The MINILAND reveal event will be held the morning of April 18 with reception to follow. Refreshments and samples will be provided by Joe’s Kansas City, Boulevard and The Roasterie while supplies last.

The MINILAND expansion project began with Joe Nunnink, Master Model Builder for LEGOLAND® Discovery Center, and his assistant, Marcel Karczewski. “The decision to add these iconic places into MINILAND was a no-brainer considering their local heritage and their superb products that are beloved by Kansas City and beyond,” remarks Nunnink. “Then there is the matter of the buildings themselves. Boulevard is one of the most beautiful factories in the United States; The Roasterie is iconic and sends flight to the imagination. As for Joe’s KC, it’s the most well-known gas station that isn’t known for selling gasoline, with a line out the door that feels like it’s a fixture of the building.”
Doug Worgul of Joe’s Kansas City also comments on the project, “Seeing our gas station location made of LEGO® is absolutely magical! This means we’ve truly achieved iconic status! We’ve arrived! This is like winning a World Series, a Super Bowl, and an Academy Award all at once!”

The comprehensive project clocks in with nearly 500 hours of design and build time using over 54,000 LEGO® bricks. “Above all, this was a one-of-a-kind opportunity to bring so many beloved staples of Kansas City under our roof and build new, lasting bonds with the community the best way we know how, by immortalizing them in LEGO bricks.”

The public is invited to visit LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City to point out their favorite landmarks and see the city come alive in miniature.

MINILAND Reveal & Reception event on Thursday, April 18:

• 8:00-8:30 a.m. – Guests invited to arrive at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City
• 8:30-8:45 a.m. – MINILAND Reveal with Master Model Builder, Joe Nunnink and his assistant, Marcel Karzcewski, alongside representatives from Joe’s KC, Boulevard and The Roasterie.
• 8:45-9:45 a.m. – Interview opportunities and reception with refreshments courtesy of Joe’s KC, Boulevard Brewing Company and The Roasterie.

Please RSVP for the April 18 morning event at: www.eventbrite.com/e/miniland-reveal-vip-event-tickets-59592758545 Password: MINIKC

About LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City

LEGOLAND® Discovery Center Kansas City opened at Crown Center in April 2012. Described as stepping into the biggest box of LEGO® bricks in the world, the $15 million, 30,000-square-foot interactive attraction features hands-on play areas, a 4D Cinema, master classes from the LEGO Master Model Builder, LEGO-themed rides, and special party rooms for birthdays and other celebrations. This highly interactive and educational 2-3 hour indoor experience is ideal for families with children between the ages of 3-10. In order to maintain a welcoming and safe environment, the attraction does not permit adults who are not accompanied by a child under the age of 16.

ABOUT JOE’S KANSAS CITY BAR-B-QUE

Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que was founded by Jeff & Joy Stehney in 1996. Since then the company has earned scores of local, regional, and national accolades. In 2013, USA Today named Joe’s ribs “Tastiest Ribs in America”. In 2015 The New York Post named Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que “#1 BBQ in America”. Joe’s has three restaurants; its original location in the gas station at 47th & Mission in Kansas City, Kansas, as well as locations in Olathe and Leawood. Joe’s offers a private dining and event space in The 180 Room, adjacent to its Olathe restaurant. Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que began shipping barbecue nationwide in 2016. Visit www.joeskc.com for more information.

About The Roasterie Air-Roasted Coffee

The Roasterie Air-Roasted Coffee has served only the best coffee for the past 25 years, sourced from countries with the world's richest resources for harvesting exceptional beans. Today, The Roasterie's production takes place in downtown Kansas City. They are proud to foster lasting business relationships, resulting in more than 600 businesses, grocery stores, restaurants, colleges and universities choosing The Roasterie for its coffee, iced and hot teas and distribution services. For more information about The Roasterie, its production facility tour, or to purchase The Roasterie coffee and products online, visit theroasterie.com.

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