Neighbors push back on Downtown Kansas City data center
Residents in downtown Kansas City are opposing a developer's plan to demolish a historic building and replace it with a 20-story data center. The developer, Revitalization Unlimited, has filed plans despite stating on its website that it invests in preserving historic properties. A public meeting saw significant community pushback.
A developer is planning to construct a 20-story data center in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, which would involve demolishing the historic Western Newspaper Union Building at 10th and Central Streets. The building has been listed on the national registry for historical places since 2007.
The developer, Miami Beach-based Revitalization Unlimited, has filed plans for the demolition and new construction. This action has drawn considerable criticism, as the company's website states its mission is to invest in historically significant properties to preserve community character. Neighbors are strongly objecting to the proposal, citing the loss of a core asset to the downtown area.
At a public meeting organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association, developer representatives faced a standing-room-only crowd and significant opposition. While data centers are touted for bringing tax revenues with minimal impact on local infrastructure like roads and schools, residents have many questions about the project's suitability for the neighborhood. The next step involves the developer presenting a formal proposal to local authorities.