Kansas City Gears Up for a Tech Transformation!
In the heart of Kansas City, a major renovation is on the horizon that promises to reshape the skyline and boost the local economy. The historic printing press building of the Kansas City Star, nestled in the trendy Crossroads district, is set to undergo a remarkable makeover into a cutting-edge data center.
Bringing New Life to an Old Building
According to the visionary behind the project, John Johnson, who is the founder and CEO of Patmos, this transformation is anything but ordinary. “When people think of data centers, they think of really ugly buildings that suck a lot of power and create no jobs,” Johnson stated. “That’s precisely not what this building is going to be.” Instead of a lifeless structure, he envisions a vibrant space filled with opportunities for both technology and the community.
What’s in Store?
Patmos plans to revamp the massive 400,000 square foot facility into a state-of-the-art innovation hub that will host over 100 megawatts of artificial intelligence technology as part of a staggering billion-dollar renovation project. But wait, there’s more! Johnson has grand dreams of creating a bustling environment that extends beyond tech. He sees the unused areas of the building as potential sites for office spaces, retail, and restaurant establishments.
“There’s potential for arts, architecture, tech, a barber shop, pizza restaurant—anything,” Johnson excitedly shared. This ambitious approach aims to intertwine the thriving arts culture of the Crossroads with cutting-edge technology, creating a lively community spot.
Local Business Reaction
The project has sparked conversations among local business owners as they grapple with how to blend Kansas City’s rich artistic heritage with modern technological advancements. Mark Sappington, owner of Take Care By OLEO, emphasized the importance of preserving the character of the area. “This building has been here for like 110 years, and so anything that’s going to keep the character is important,” he noted. “You also don’t want to stifle innovation. It’s the tension between the two.”
Johnson also highlighted that this project could save a building that has stood dormant for too long, stating, “Why go elsewhere when you have all the power right here in a beautiful building that’s been sitting there doing way too little for way too long.”
What’s Next for Kansas City?
Looking ahead, Johnson is optimistic. He expects the first clients to start utilizing the data center space as early as 2025. Following that, the next phase of the project—transforming the remaining spaces into tech hubs and community areas—could be completed by late 2025 or early 2026.
The process of acquiring the former KC Star building hasn’t been a quick one; Johnson spent the last three years working on this deal. Interestingly enough, it all unfolded after a recent failed vote about building a new baseball stadium in the area. “I’m a big baseball fan and I think a baseball stadium could be awesome for Kansas City, but I was waiting,” he explained. “I was really surprised that it failed and as soon as it failed, I got the call saying our deal was good to go.”
A Bright Future Ahead
As Kansas City embarks on this exciting new chapter, residents can look forward to a space that not only harnesses the power of technology but also fosters community connections and supports local businesses. With a blend of innovation, community, and a dash of artistic flair, the Crossroads district is poised to become a hotspot that honors its past while embracing a bright future.
Stay tuned, Kansas City—big changes are coming your way!
