Elaboration

Okay, so I had a complaint (Cassie, you whiner) that my description of the completed remodeling of our home at Crown Center was a little...inadequate. Fine. Here, straight from the Hallmark's mouth is the complete lowdown on the fancy new digs:

After more than seven months under renovation, Crown Center Square will open to the public with Fiesta in the Heartland, May 5-7.

The renovation is part of the company’s ongoing investment in Crown Center, which draws 5 million visitors to the headquarters complex each year.

The project began last fall and is the first major update to Crown Center Square in its history.

The Square is an outdoor destination for the public and venue for outdoor concerts, festivals and a host of annual events.

According to Chris Ronan, Crown Center marketing publicity specialist, the two primary purposes of the renovation were to replace the waterproofing material that protects the parking garage below the square and to replace the mechanically worn, 30-year-old Crown Center fountain.

The new fountain, which is expected to be operational in June, is similar to the original but is all-weather and will run year-round featuring choreographed, musical water displays. Chris says the fountain now is located further away from Grand Boulevard to provide a safer margin between pedestrians and traffic. Other amenities in the Square include brick and granite paving, newly planted trees and updated lighting.

Hallmarkers, residents and visitors can enjoy the new Square during several festivals throughout the year including Fiesta in the Heartland, Festa Italiana, Kansas City Irish Fest and Kansas City Oktoberfest. Other scheduled events include free movies and a free concert series.

For more information about Crown Center activities, call (816) 274-8444 or visit Crown Center online.

There, Cassie. You happy now?