City council members representing downtown Kansas City oppose proposed data center in new statement

Kansas City Fourth District council members Crispin Rea and Eric Bunch have issued a joint statement opposing a proposed 20-story data center project by Revitalization Unlimited in downtown Kansas City. The proposed facility, slated for 934 Central St., has drawn criticism for potentially requiring the demolition of the historic Western Newspaper Union Building, which dates back to the 1920s and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

The council members argue that while they appreciate interest in downtown, the project would replace a historic landmark rather than preserve it. They also expressed concern that a data center, which would add few employees and no residents, would not contribute to the vital growth of the downtown area, contrasting with city leaders' efforts to foster a thriving community.

Conversely, Revitalization Unlimited, which describes itself as an "investment fund dedicated to preserving historically significant U.S. real estate," announced its acquisition of the building in January 2026. Chris Miller, the company's president of Capital Markets, stated an intent to partner with the previous owner and activate the building in a way that supports the surrounding community.

Rea and Bunch concluded their statement by raising questions about the developer's motives, calling them "unclear or unstated" and emphasizing the need for transparency. They expressed hope for future discussions about the property that prioritize bringing more residents and employees to the community, reinforcing their vision for a strong Kansas City.