KC planning staff oppose 20-story downtown data center ahead of public hearing
Kansas City planning staff are opposing a proposed 20-story data center tower in downtown Kansas City, citing non-alignment with city policies and negative neighborhood impact. The plan, which includes demolishing a historic building, is scheduled for a public hearing where staff will recommend denial. Local council members have also publicly opposed the project.
Kansas City planning staff are recommending the denial of a proposed 20-story data center tower in downtown Kansas City ahead of a public hearing. The project, put forth by Miami-based investment fund Revitalization Unlimited, would involve demolishing the historic Western Newspaper Union Building at 934 Central St. to construct a new facility with ground-floor retail and upper floors dedicated to data center infrastructure.
The proposal has faced opposition from community members regarding its compatibility with a historic preservation easement on the property, which could offer investors tax deductions. Revitalization Unlimited CEO Steve Austin acknowledged that the project's financial viability depends on securing such deductions and the outcome of the approval process. Austin previously stated the data center would generate significant tax revenue for local government and would not be an AI facility.
City staff, however, argue the plan does not align with urban development policies aimed at increasing downtown population and would negatively impact the neighborhood. They cited concerns about the proposed design's scale and its failure to preserve the historic character of the area. Two City Council members representing the district have also publicly voiced their opposition to the project. The City Plan Commission is scheduled to consider the plan on August 5, with a potential vote on whether to recommend it to the City Council.