The Hall family, founder of the famous Hallmark Card Company conceived the idea of an urban renewal project known today as Crown Center. It came about in 1960, when they had their headquarters in Kansas City where the surrounding area was basically a failed industrial area with many vacant lots, empty warehouses and closed businesses. In 1967, their plan of constructing the Crown Center was publicly announced which will include hotels, office, retail, entertainment and residential functions. Likewise, the square will be landscaped with one of the most grandly proportioned and prominent fountain in Kansas City, the Crown Center Square Fountain.

The Crown Square Fountain became operational in 1972. It is unique among the other fountains in Kansas City because it has no visible retaining basin or any type of visible plumbing but only a 37,500-gallon underground reservoir. It has 49 water jets and 48 water shooters that spout up to 60 feet in the air, before coming back to its underground reservoir. Water is recycled into the fountain at a rate of 2,200 gallons per minute.

Likewise, the water jets has 300 watt colored lights placed under a special grating which allows for the programming of various water displays. The lighting that shines through the shooting water creates a dramatic effect which significantly enhances the overall beauty of the fountain. The fountain takes up a space of about 2,000 square feet and rests in a cobblestone-paved portion of the square.

Big renovations were made of the square especially of the water fountain in 2006. After the overhaul, Crown Center Square Fountain has twice as many water sprays and new hydraulic devices were installed that allow for “dancing water” displays. The water displays can be coordinated to any music being broadcast from the new sound system that has been installed in the square. For instance, there was dancing water shows, synchronized to the music recorded for Crown Center by the members of the Kansas City Symphony. Moreover, the addition of heated water options during the renovation enabled the operation of the fountain all year round.

The Crown Center Square Fountain with its dancing fountains for shoppers, travelers and business people to enjoy, is frequently used as an event venue. Moreover, it is the only water fountain in Kansas City where playing in the water is allowed. Hence, it becomes a popular place for children and adults alike, to beat the heat during the summer.