2023 Q1 Luncheon: Developer Showcase

Allison SchultzNews

The Platte County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) hosted its first Quarterly Member Luncheon on Friday, March 31, 2023, at the Hilton KCI. This event was sponsored by and featured panelists from Hunt Midwest, who provided insight into their investments in the Northland including the KCI 29 Logistics Park, new home communities under construction, and their $2 million commitment to the Northland Career Center (NCC).

PCEDC Chairwoman Lauren Kepler of Newkirk Novak Construction Partners kicked off the luncheon by recognizing many of the elected officials, high-level PCEDC investors, board members, and special guests in attendance. Recognition was also given to 11 new PCEDC investors, including Southwest Airlines, Asphaltic Surfaces, Arvest Bank, Bank of Shoal Creek, CBRE, Port KC, Staco Electric Construction Co., The Solar Guys, TruePlane Concrete, Zelmo Realty, and Aimee Paine.

Elli Bowen, Vice President of KC SmartPort, opened the program by providing a deep dive into the Kansas City Area Development Council and their partnerships with local economic development organizations to attract new business to the Kansas City region. She emphasized how important relationships are when it comes to the attraction component and applauded PCEDC for having a strong presence in the metro. Additionally, Bowen highlighted target sectors within the region and showcased 2022 and current 2023 project successes, including the new Meta hyperscale data center.

Ora Reynolds, President & CEO of Hunt Midwest, introduced the organization and its legacy within the Kansas City market. As stated in the presentation, “Hunt Midwest is a generationally owned real estate developer with a proven track record of investing in Kansas City.” Reynolds went on to discuss Hunt Midwest’s footprint, as they have notably developed 14M+ square feet of industrial space and are working towards an additional 37M+ square feet of future industrial development.

Brenner Holland, Senior Vice President of Residential Real Estate Development, presented on Hunt Midwest’s residential projects within the Northland. Two notable projects in or near Platte County include Cadence and Reserve at Riverstone. When asked about tackling workforce housing to support their new industrial development, Holland acknowledged that density will be a key component moving forward.

Mike Bell, Senior Vice President of Commercial Real Estate Development, showcased KCI 29 Logistics Park, the 3,300 acre mega-site located at Mexico City Avenue and I-29 in Platte County. This site is a master planned development of 2,136 acres to include manufacturing, distribution, e-commerce, office, technology, and other amenities. From a community investment perspective, this logistics park will attract $2.5B in total investment, create 9,000 jobs, and support the Platte County R-III School District’s career center. Bell explained that giving to the NCC is more than just a donation, it’s an investment in the next generation. Hunt Midwest currently works with students in NCC’s HVAC program and highly encourages other businesses to get involved.

Aaron Schmidt, Vice President of Development & Construction and PCEDC Board Member, closed the presentation by discussing the importance of partnerships. He emphasized the unique position PCEDC has within the community while fostering relationships with key decision makers, local and national developers and consultants, and major employers in the KC metro. Schmidt stressed that without PCEDC at the center of infrastructure, public policy, workforce development, and business attraction for the last 35 years, the financial support currently infused into the Northland would be non-existent.

Thank you to the Hunt Midwest team and Elli Bowen for taking time out of your busy schedules to participate in our luncheon. We are grateful for your partnerships!

To view the presentations, click the links below:
KCADC Presentation
Hunt Midwest Presentation