August 2006

Kansas City SmartPort E-News

Fast Fact

There is currently more than $7 billion of new development occurring in Kansas City.

Developers Look to Enter, Expand Presence in KC

KC should continue to see a tremendous growth in big box and speculative development within the next 12-18 months. Representatives from the Kansas City Area Development Council and KC SmartPort traveled to Chicago in July to meet with industrial real estate brokers and national developers. KC's update was of great interest to them as we overviewed several of the larger industrial projects planned and underway in our region, as well as recent big box distribution center announcements. The Chicago contacts are ready to enter or expand their presence in the KC area.

KC's Industrial Development Projects

Several logistics based industrial development projects are underway across the metro. These developments are important to our ability to attract new investment and jobs to the region. They are all happening simultaneously and putting Kansas City on the map as a top-tier logistics center.

•Kansas City International Airport  - 640-acre development planned as well as a 10,000 acre development adjacent to KCI in Kansas City, Mo.
•Northland Park - 2,200-acre intermodal facility for Norfolk Southern in North Kansas City, Mo.
• Richards-Gebaur - 1,100-acre intermodal facility for Kansas City Southern in Kansas City, Mo.
•BNSF Logistics Park - 1,300 intermodal facility and logistics park for BNSF in Johnson County near Gardner, Kan.

Trammell Crow to Develop Land near KCI

Dallas-based Trammell Crow Co. has been hired by Kansas City to develop a master plan for 640 acres southeast of the KCI airfield. A study completed last year said developing the vacant airport property, which stretches west from Interstate 435 and south to Tiffany Springs Parkway, would create thousands of new jobs.

Potential uses for the area include distribution centers, an air cargo facility, light manufacturing, office space and commercial businesses. The aviation department is spending $8 million to improve infrastructure to the site.

To learn more please visit Trammell Crow. 

Investor Profile: Meridian IQ

Meridian IQ is a global logistics management company that plans and coordinates the movement of goods throughout the world. The result for Meridian IQ clients is a quick ROI and more efficient supply chain processes.

Meridian IQ is headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., and also has offices in Asia, Europe, North America and South America. For more information, visit Meridian IQ.