More than a century ago, William Rockhill Nelson had a vision for creating a world-class newspaper that would be produced in a truly world-class building. He spared no detail, no expense, and cut no corners in design, materials and construction of the Kansas City Star building. By every measure, from the Italian bricks, terra cotta tiles, and inlaid Carrera marble, he created a truly grand place.
TRANSFORMING A KANSAS CITY ICON INTO A NEW, VIBRANT ANCHOR
Originally the bustling headquarters for the Kansas City Star newspaper, Grand Place is a full city block that is being reimagined into a vibrant, mixed-use destination featuring 250,000+ square-feet of office space, a European-style market, private dining, spa and more. Grand Place is all about: location, character, convenience and amenities.
"WHEN IT COMES TO BUILDINGS IN KANSAS CITY WITH TRUE HISTORIC STATURE, NONE ARE MORE SIGNIFICANT THAN THESE. IT'S AN HONOR TO BRING THEM BACK TO LIFE."
-Vince Bryant, Developer
A BUILDING WITH MORE THAN A CENTURY OF STORIES
The two buildings, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, were designed in 1911 by renowned Chicago architect, Jarvis Hunt, also the designer of Kansas City's Union Station and Commerce Bank Tower. Most recently, the buildings were the home to the Kansas City Star newspaper company, founded by William Rockhill Nelson.
Nelson had a grand vision for these buildings, importing materials from Italy, including bricks, terra cotta roof panels, and marble. As was the style in early 20th century design and construction, the buildings feature brick perimeter walls, hardwood floors and board-formed concrete columns and ceilings. The entire structural framework of the buildings is riveted steel columns and beams. Hunt designed the spaces to receive abundant natural lighting from tall windows and skylights as electricity was in its infancy in the early 1900s.
Although the historic buildings have been modified over the years, in the redevelopment process, we found that the original bones are still intact. Using original architectural plans, we uncovered some of the most dynamic spaces in Kansas City, with 30-foot-high ceilings in the old pressroom, 40-foot-high ceilings in the 3rd-4th floor finishing room and hidden skylights in both the east and west buildings. A vertical water tower and two former radio tower bases create one-of-a-kind rooftop office suites with great views.
IN THE HEART OF THE CROSSROADS DISTRICT
The property is located between 17th Street and 18th Street (north to south) and Grand Boulevard and McGee Street (east to west), in the center of the Crossroads Arts District, between the Power & Light District to the north and Crown Center to the south. The KC Streetcar line is on Main Street two blocks west of Grand Place.
EASY ACCESS AND NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTION
Within a half-mile walking radius, workers and visitors will have easy access to six streetcar stops, five bike share stops, as well as close access to several major highway interchanges.
Also within the half mile radius are numerous bars, restaurants, banks and other amenities. Over 1,400 apartment units are for rent, with 2.000 more in development, a testament to the projected 107% population increase in the downtown area by 2040.
GRAND PLACE IN PROGRESS
After more than a year of clean up and demolition to adapt these historic spaces for new uses, Grand Place is now a clean slate for 21st century office space, areas to meet, collaborate and enjoy.
GRAND PLACE TENANTS
"Not only will Grand Place give us the ability to grow our footprint, but we see it as a recruiting tool as well."
CEO, Tria HEALTH
Jessica Lea
"We felt very strongly that this was a great long-term fit for who we are, who BOK Financial is as a company, where our customers are going to be and what they expect from us.
Market CEO, BOK Financial
Kevin Kramer
Every time we came back to which one of these (office) options gives us that feel of an employee saying, 'Wow, I want to work here' when they're on an interview with us, Grand Place was clearly the front-runner every time we came back to that question
CEO, Next Move
John Nolan
GRAND PLACE AMENITIES
THE MARKET
The historic and rarely seen pressroom on the ground floor of the east building will be a European-style market and food hall with 20 kiosk kitchens, a bar, lounge and a coffee cafe with patio overlooking the outdoor plaza.
This bustling environment will have a main corner entry from the plaza, with great visibility from the street. Dramatic 30' high ceilings, original wood flooring and abundant light pouring through two-story windows will make this space truly special.
WORKPLACE
Grand Place has a variety of sizes available. Spaces range from 2,000 square feet up to 64,000 square feet, perfect for start-ups or a new, energetic headquarters. Additionally, small office suites with shared common amenities is planned.
Finishes will feature a variety of existing materials including brick, concrete and steel. Modern updates will create a beautiful dichotomy between old and new.
Abundant amenities throughout the buildings include: 4,700 SF rooftop patio with skyline views, an equally-sized clubroom serving breakfast and lunch to tenants and guests only, common meeting rooms, lounge spaces, concierge services and more. The availability of on-site parking, access to entertainment and the rest of downtown KC will be unparalleled.
A PRIVATE CLUB FOR GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS.
In today's modern work lifestyle, there are few places outside the office that cater to business needs in a refined but casual setting.
At Grand Place, in the spirit of downtown or university clubs of the past, our private business club will feature meeting spaces, quiet work areas, as well as dining and entertaining options. The rooftop will be the perfect place for a happy hour, a special event, or even the fresh air perspective executives need to do some of their best thinking. Tenants at Grand Place will have the opportunity for special member benefits, as well as a variety of event spaces.
