Kansas City Transforms Former Printing Press into Cutting-Edge Data Center, Promising Job Growth and Tech Innovation

Kansas City Receives Exciting Upgrade with New Data Center Plan

Kansas City is on the verge of a remarkable transformation, as plans have been unveiled to convert the former Kansas City Star printing press building into a state-of-the-art data center. The Kansas City-based company Patmos has announced a groundbreaking project, breathing new life into the 400,000-square-foot structure that rests on roughly 5 acres of land. This ambitious endeavor represents not only a significant retrofit project but also a crucial step toward the future of technology in the city.

The Big Picture

This incredible transformation will turn the old printing facility into an over 100-megawatt AI innovation center, with a price tag exceeding one billion dollars. This massive investment is expected to create numerous high-paying tech jobs, attracting talent back to Kansas City as tech giants are reconsidering their home bases.

According to Patmos, the first phase of this new project is already well underway. In just 18 months, the company expects to have 40 megawatts of the data center operational and ready for equipment. Even more impressively, they plan to bring 5 megawatts online as soon as next month, which is sure to excite local tech enthusiasts and job seekers alike.

A Strategic Location

The choice of the former Kansas City Star building is no accident. Initially opened in 2006, the printing press was later sold in 2019 for more than $30 million to Ambassador Hospitality LLC, where it has unfortunately lain vacant since. Patmos has recognized the potential of this existing structure which allows them to fast track their project significantly.

Joe Morgan, the Chief Information Officer at Patmos, summed it up perfectly, stating, “In a world where Big Tech is investing over $20 million per megawatt to set up new data centers that take years to build, our existing infrastructure lets us construct this state-of-the-art facility at a fraction of the cost and within a fraction of the time.” This insight signifies just how advantageous the repurposing of this building is for the company’s ambitions.

Building Robust Futures

Not only will this project stand as a new tech beacon for Kansas City, but it will also establish Patmos as a significant figure in the local tech industry. Currently, Patmos operates data centers in major tech hubs like Phoenix and Dallas, and now aims to make Kansas City a notable player in the tech landscape.

The opening of this new data center is a timely response to recent trends in the tech industry, where many tech giants are moving away from traditional hotspots like Silicon Valley. As the industry landscape evolves, Kansas City seeks to position itself as a viable alternative, boasting competitive opportunities and excellent quality of life for tech professionals.

The Road Ahead

As the project progresses, there is palpable excitement in the community. Local officials and tech advocates are optimistic; this data center not only holds the promise of job creation but also of spurring further investment and interest in Kansas City as a tech hub.

While the road ahead may have some bumps along the way, the vision presented by Patmos is clear—bringing innovation, opportunity, and technological advancement to the heart of Kansas City. As they prepare to break ground on this futuristic facility, all eyes will be on the city to witness the unfolding of a new chapter in its tech history.

So, mark your calendars—Kansas City is gearing up to be a vital player in the tech game, and this new data center is just the beginning!