Press Release Details

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – H&R Block Inc. this evening celebrates the opening of its new headquarters – H&R Block Center – in downtown Kansas City. Scheduled to speak at the event for community, civic and business leaders are Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes, joining H&R Block Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark A. Ernst.

H&R Block Center brings together 1,600 company associates from a half-dozen former locations in the metropolitan area. The 525,000-sq. ft. complex includes a 17-story high-rise tower and a three-story low-rise structure. It lies within the city's downtown core, currently being transformed to a vibrant, creative environment for people to work, live and play.

“We are proud to be part of the renaissance of a great American city,” Ernst said. “We've been in Kansas City for half a century, since Henry and Richard Bloch founded the company on Main Street in 1955. It's great to have a new home – still on Main Street – that will help frame our future for decades to come.

“The building and work spaces of H&R Block Center will stimulate a culture of collaboration and innovation as our associates serve millions of clients each year as their tax and financial partner,” Ernst said. “The energy and excitement of the urban renewal around us will help H&R Block to attract and retain the best and brightest people as our associates. We shared the vision that downtown could again come alive, and through a strong public/private partnership, that's exactly what's happening.”

Design features of H&R Block Center include:

• A distinctive elliptical shape for the high-rise tower, which is sheathed in green glass for maximum light and a bright, open atmosphere.
• A dramatic two-story atrium connecting the high- and low-rise structures, featuring an 18-foot natural stone “water wall,” a floating staircase leading to a state-of-the-art Knowledge Center for meetings and training, and a diversity of art by local and regional artists. All of the atrium and lobby art is open for public viewing, and rotating exhibits including student and associate art will also be on display.
• Retail offices on the lobby floor for H&R Block Tax Services, H&R Block Financial Advisors and the new H&R Block Bank.
• A 319-seat theatre in the low-rise structure, conceived and developed in partnership with the Kansas City Repertory Theatre, and shared as a downtown second stage for the prestigious group and an auditorium for H&R Block.
• More than 160 conference rooms of various shapes and sizes.
• An open floor plan that puts managers with their teams, and a special workstation design that also fosters interaction and teamwork.
• Associate amenities including free covered parking, a game room, dry cleaning services and a modern cafeteria offering take-home meals.

The company broke ground for H&R Block Center in October 2004, just less than a year after announcing site selection in December 2003. The first associates relocated to the new building in July 2006, and moves were completed earlier this month. JE Dunn Construction Group served as general contractor, and 360 Architecture designed the structure and inside spaces; both are based in Kansas City.

H&R Block Center is at the heart of the Power & Light District, a nine-block mixed-use complex of restaurants, shopping, entertainment, residences and offices, being developed by The Cordish Co. Just beyond the Power & Light District, other downtown revitalization projects under way include the new Sprint Arena and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and an expansion of Bartle Hall Convention Center.

About H&R Block

H&R Block Inc. (NYSE: HRB) is a leading provider of tax, financial, mortgage, accounting and business consulting services and products. H&R Block is the world's largest tax services provider, having prepared more than 400 million tax returns since 1955. The company and its subsidiaries generated revenues of $4.9 billion and net income of $490 million in fiscal year 2006. The company operates in four principal business segments: Tax Services (income tax preparation and advice via in-office, online and software solutions); Mortgage Services (non-prime mortgage originations and loan servicing); Business Services (tax, accounting and consulting services for midsized businesses); and Consumer Financial Services (investment and financial advisory services, retail mortgage loans and banking services). Headquartered in Kansas City, Mo., H&R Block markets its services and products under three leading brands – H&R Block, Option One and RSM McGladrey. For more information visit our Online Press Center at www.hrblock.com.

For Further Information:
Nick Iammartino, 816-854-4556 nick.iammartino@hrblock.com

Source: H & R block