Oct
9
Old vs. New Buildings
October 9, 2008 | 1 Comment
This is an interesting juxtaposition on the Business Journal’s web site today. One article features several companies that have chosen to renovate old historic buildings into contempory office space, helpling the company attract talented and creative employees while also making a difference in the local neighborhood. The other article announces yet another beige office park on the surburban fringe, one of several with aspirations of becoming “the next Corporate Woods.”
Both trends are alive and well in Kansas City and its suburbs.

Categories: Business, Downtown, Suburbs

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I would only point out that the downtown projects quoted are owner-occupant buildings. Multi-tenant spec space has significant challenges downtown. The suburban space that Block is developing is suburban spec. investment space, another animal altogether.
It would take a real pioneer and a lot of risk to build spec space downtown which many developers don’t have the stomach for, especially considering the spigot has been turned off on TIF.
I believe Copaken’s building, where they ripped out the soul of KC BBQ (Edwards) has stalled completely.