KCMO Commission Rejects Proposed Historic Building Data Center
The Kansas City City Plan Commission declined to recommend a proposed 20-story data center that would replace a historic building in the Quality Hill neighborhood. Hundreds of neighbors opposed the project, and Mayor Quinton Lucas has also stated he would not support it. The proposal can still go before the city council for final approval.
Developers proposed a 20-story data center to replace a historic building in Kansas City's Quality Hill neighborhood, arguing it would be an important downtown development. However, hundreds of residents opposed the plan, sending over 450 letters to the KC Planning Commission.
Miami-based company Revitalization Unlimited sought to demolish the former Western Newspaper Union building, which is on the National Register of Historical Buildings. Opponents raised concerns that the company might be primarily interested in tax credits rather than building the data center, stating, "These out of town developers are manipulating our city with a data center proposal they never planned to build."
The City Plan Commission expressed concerns about the location, noting that demolishing a historic building for a project that would not attract many residents or jobs does not align with the city's Spirit Playbook. Ultimately, the commission declined to recommend the proposal for approval. Mayor Quinton Lucas also announced his opposition on X, stating the project would not have his support.
While the commission is not recommending the project, it can still proceed to the city council for a final decision. The developers declined to comment after the meeting.