Historic Kansas City Star building poised to drive AI innovation

Image Source: The Axios

The long-vacant Kansas City Star building may soon exchange its printing presses for supercomputers under an ambitious redevelopment proposal to convert the iconic downtown structure into a major hub for artificial intelligence, technology startups, and innovation.

Why It Matters

If realized, the project would breathe new life into the 400,000-square-foot facility, which has sat largely empty for years. Developers aim to integrate the building into Kansas City’s expanding technology ecosystem by attracting hundreds of high-paying jobs in AI, software development, and creative industries. The plan also envisions a collaborative environment for founders, engineers, and entrepreneurs in the city’s core.

“This is about putting creators, founders, and capital all in one place,” said John Johnson, CEO of Patmos Holdings, the Kansas City–based developer spearheading the effort. “We want to turbocharge Kansas City’s innovation economy and make this building a destination for the future of technology.”

Project Overview

The redevelopment plan would transform the former Star printing plant into an “AI factory” and innovation campus featuring:

• High-performance computing infrastructure capable of supporting large-scale AI and machine learning workloads

• Flexible office and coworking space designed for startups, small businesses, and emerging tech companies

• A public-facing innovation and expo center, providing space for demonstrations, art showcases, and community events

• An exhibit honoring the Kansas City Star’s journalistic legacy, preserving the cultural history of the building

The AI data center alone is expected to exceed 100 megawatts of computing power, an energy load equivalent to powering tens of thousands of homes. Total project investment is estimated at $1 billion.

From Printing Presses to AI Supercomputers

When it opened in 2006, the Kansas City Star production facility was considered one of the nation’s most advanced newspaper plants, supported by a $199 million investment. But shifts in media consumption, corporate consolidation, and declining print circulation eventually led McClatchy to sell the property in 2019 for just over $30 million. The Star vacated the building entirely in 2022, leaving the structure as a highly visible reminder of downtown’s stalled momentum.

Economic and Community Impact

Local businesses are cautiously optimistic. Jill Cockson, owner of Chartreuse Saloon across the street, noted that sustained activity—not sporadic traffic—is what downtown needs most. “We need more people coming downtown every day, not just occasionally,” she said.

If executed successfully, the project could generate a wave of high-wage tech employment while attracting startups, service providers, and surrounding commercial activity. Revitalizing the Star building could strengthen downtown’s economic ecosystem and help solidify Kansas City’s identity as an emerging Midwestern tech hub.

Key Challenges

Several hurdles remain before the plan can move forward:

• Zoning approval is still pending before the Kansas City Council

• Patmos is leasing the property with an option to purchase, but financing structures and public incentives remain unresolved

• Tenant commitments are in early stages, introducing uncertainty around absorption and long-term viability

Timeline and Next Steps

If the zoning change is approved, Patmos plans to begin renovations immediately, with portions of the AI hub potentially operational within 18 months.

The proposal arrives amid a series of transformative developments across Kansas City, including:

• Redevelopment efforts in the Historic Northeast, adding affordable housing and a public market

• $19 million in cultural, residential, and commercial improvements east of Troost

• Major downtown investments in multifamily housing, sports facilities, and mixed-use projects along the KC Streetcar corridor

Together, these initiatives underscore Kansas City’s commitment to economic growth, innovation, and equitable urban revitalization. If brought to fruition, the Star building redevelopment could serve as a defining symbol of the city’s future—repurposing a dormant industrial landmark into a cornerstone of next-generation technology and creative enterprise.