Once a bustling hub for the newspaper industry, the former Kansas City Star printing press pavilion at 1601 McGee Street has faced transformative changes over the years. This prominent downtown landmark, visible from I-670, stands as a testament to Kansas City’s industrial past. The decline of the newspaper industry, coupled with the significant urban exodus of the mid-20th century, left the downtown area neglected and in need of rejuvenation. However, the 2000s marked a turning point as concerted revitalization efforts began to breathe new life into the area. Among these efforts was the $200 million construction of the Kansas City Star’s state-of-the-art printing press pavilion in 2006, equipped with advanced German-built printing presses. Despite this substantial investment, the pavilion fell into disuse by 2021 and was sold in 2019 due to the ongoing decline of the newspaper industry.
Failed Stadium Proposal
Initially, ambitious plans to repurpose the site included converting it into a new baseball stadium for the Kansas City Royals. This proposal envisioned a “neighborhood ballpark” that would integrate seamlessly within the vibrant Crossroads area, promising to inject new energy and economic vitality into downtown Kansas City. Advocates believed that such a development would attract visitors and create a dynamic environment conducive to further growth. However, despite the enthusiasm and strong proposals supporting the project, the plan ultimately failed to materialize. The failure was mainly due to unsuccessful tax measures, which thwarted the funding required for the stadium’s construction. The dashed hopes for a stadium left the site in a state of limbo, once again raising questions about the future of the significant property in Kansas City’s downtown landscape.
Transformation to AI Data Center
Recently, a new and promising vision for the former KC Star pavilion has emerged, aiming to leverage the unique infrastructure of the building to meet modern technological needs. Kansas City-based Patmos announced plans to repurpose the structure into a cutting-edge AI data center. The pavilion’s original design, tailored for massive printing operations, is extraordinarily well-suited for the substantial electrical power demands of an AI data center. With an investment of $1 billion, Patmos is set to retrofit the building to create a 100+ megawatt AI data center and cloud provider. This ambitious project stands at the intersection of historical preservation and technological innovation. Unlike many modern data centers, the vision for this facility includes an emphasis on integrating the site’s historical elements. Consequently, the redevelopment plan involves preserving the historical printing machinery and showcasing past headlines, thus honoring the legacy of the Kansas City Star.
CEO’s Vision and Community Engagement
Patmos CEO John Johnson is keenly aware that the new data center must blend seamlessly with the surrounding community. Johnson’s vision includes preventing the center from becoming an “eyesore.” Instead, he wants to create a dynamic, multi-functional space that encourages community engagement and cultural activities. The facility will function not only as a high-tech data hub but also as a venue for hosting community events like AI-generated art shows. Plans for the pavilion include creating a tech co-working space, where tech professionals can collaborate and innovate, aiming to foster a thriving tech community in downtown Kansas City.
The construction is expected to bring the center to partial capacity within the next 18 months, although the complete timeline for the project’s full realization is still unspecified. This thorough development effort reflects Kansas City’s broader trend of rejuvenation and innovative initiatives. By fostering innovation and community engagement, repurposing the former KC Star building represents more than just a facelift; it signifies Kansas City’s ongoing transformation and efforts to position itself as a tech hub. The city’s blend of rich history with a forward-thinking approach underscores its commitment to progress and innovation.
