A new plan is underway to transform the long-vacant Kansas City Star building into a thriving hub for artificial intelligence and tech startups. The proposal, put forth by Kansas City-based development company Patmos, aims to create an ‘AI factory’ with collaborative office space designed to support the city’s growing tech economy.
John Johnson, CEO of Patmos, expressed excitement about the city’s enthusiasm for the project, stating, ‘We are so excited that the city is getting enthusiastic about transforming this building.’ The plan involves converting the historic structure into a space where ‘creators, founders, and capital all come together’ to serve the needs of Kansas City’s emerging tech sector.
Preserving History, Embracing Innovation
The development will incorporate elements of the building’s rich journalistic history. An exhibit called ‘The Star in the City,’ which traces the newspaper’s history since 1880, will be preserved as part of the project. Additionally, a massive three-story room that once housed a printing press will be repurposed as an expo center for entrepreneurs and artists to showcase their work and collaborate. Despite the original press being removed, remnants of the past remain, with a yellowed newspaper still clinging to a chain of sorting rollers.
Community Impact
The Chartreuse Saloon, located across the street from the Star building, stands to benefit from the new development. Owner Jill Cockson, who previously opposed the Royals’ plan to build a new ballpark on the site, believes the Patmos plan will bring in clientele that match her target demographic. ‘This will be bringing people built in as clientele to the neighborhood that are here on a daily basis,’ she said.
Moving Forward
The Kansas City Council will have the final say on a proposed zoning change required to move the redevelopment forward. According to Johnson, several companies have already expressed interest in occupying space in the building. If approved, the project is expected to bring hundreds of new, high-paying jobs to the area, revitalizing the long-vacant structure and contributing to Kansas City’s tech economy.
