Straub Construction celebrates 100 years building KC communities

Straub Construction is celebrating 100 years as a Kansas City community cornerstone this week while simultaneously unveiling a new company brand in honor of its centennial anniversary.

The rebranded identity and tagline - Believe in What You Build - is an appropriate reflection of Straub’s devoted partnerships and decades over decades of building a long-standing, successful construction firm.

“Our new brand reflects our focus on building communities. As a building leader who advocates for a healthier, more fulfilled community, we focus on creating partnerships with purpose-driven clients who share our vision to serve others,” said Ernie Straub III, chairman & CEO.

Ernest J. Straub, Sr. began the journey in 1920 building churches, schools and homes in the Mission Hills, Kan. area. One hundred years later, Straub Construction continues to carry on his legacy of building Kansas City communities through structures that serve others.

Impactful community projects, such as the revitalization of the Crossroads Art District neighborhood’s Corrigan Station and The Creamery Building; new Science City exhibits in Union Station; the Edgar Berkley residence, the residence of Henry Sophian and the remodel of the Stover Mansion, a beloved Mission Hills landmark, are just a few included in the firm's impressive portfolio.

“We measure our success by the lives we impact, not revenue. By 2028, we’ll impact at least 120,000 families weekly with the structures we’ve built, and we’re hoping to grow that number," said Dan VanDonge, vice president of operations for Straub.

Straub’s legacy continues to date; with current and recently completed construction projects such as the Avila Goppert Performing Arts Center, Park University Plaster Center, Ft. Leavenworth Transient Barracks and the St. Elizabeth Catholic School & Parish.

“We advocate for our clients at every step in the construction process; not because it earns more dollars, but because it drives this larger purpose forward,” said Parker Young, Straub president.

Headquartered in Shawnee, Kan., Straub Construction also has an office in the Crossroads Arts District in Kansas City, Mo.

Avenue Logistics moves to KC Crossroads

Avenue Logistics, a Chicago-based freight brokerage logistics company, will soon be relocating from Overland Park, KS to the Crossroads in Kansas City, Missouri.

Avenue Logistics is the latest in a growing list of “new-to-downtown” companies attracted to developments like 3D Development, whose tenants include Hollis + Miller, Holmes Murphy, Card Connect, and WeWork.

The firm will be moving in the fourth quarter of 2019 into the recently completed historic renovation at 215 E 18th Street, now named 18McGee.

Formally known as the Interstate Securities Building, it was originally built in the 1950’s to finance automobile purchases in the automotive district in the Crossroads. After Interstate Securities, it was owned and operated by the Kansas City Star, which was headquartered across the street.

“When we were looking for our new offices, we wanted a vibrant environment that appeals to our team,” said Brad Jerwick, vice president at Avenue Logistics.

18McGee is part of a five-building renovation that includes the restoration and renovation of the Historic Kansas City Star properties. When finished, Grand Place will include a 30,000 SF European-style market, restaurants, coffee house, spa and approximately 250,000 SF of signature office space.

“With everything happening in the Crossroads and the renovation of this building and all the amenities planned across the street at Grand Place, we believe this is a strategic way to use real estate to attract and retain team members,” Jerwick said.

Joining Avenue Logistics at 18McGee is Working Spaces, an office interiors and contract furniture business with offices across the midwest. Working Spaces will use the entire first floor as a showroom and design studio.

The top floor at 18McGee is still available, with a total of 6,000 SF that can be divided in sections as small as 2,000 SF.

Among the amenities in the building is 3D Development’s signature roof top patio, which provides great views of Grand Place and downtown.

“The gravity of the Crossroads is moving east at a much quicker pace than we ever anticipated,” said Tim Schaffer, president of AREA Real Estate Advisors.

“The building is attracting interest because of its walkability to bars and restaurants that continue to proliferate East Crossroads; also (because of) the anticipated historic renovation of the Kansas City Star building and all the amenities that are planned for this block,” Schaffer said.

From offices to co-working spaces, restaurants and event spaces, 3D has attracted several new companies to the KC downtown market. Projects include On Broadway, The Creamery, Corrigan Station, 18 McGee and the historic renovation and repositioning of the former KC Star headquarters, now known as Grand Place.  To learn more visit: dream-design-develop.com.

Academy Bank's new flagship retail banking hits KC Crossroads

Academy Bank, a full-service community bank and wholly-owned subsidiary of Dickinson Financial Corp., is opening a new flagship retail banking center and home office in KC's Crossroads Arts District.

The new branch, located at 1881 Main Street, comprises 4,214 SF of the first floor of the stand-alone building adjacent to Corrigan Station and plans to offer a full range of personal, business and commercial banking services.

“Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District is anchored by its eclectic, creative spirit. As a dedicated member of this vibrant community, we’ve designed Academy Bank in the Crossroads to be a collaborative, inviting environment that embraces the future of banking,” said Paul Holewinski, president and CEO of Academy Bank.

As part of its new approach to community banking, the Crossroads branch shares an outdoor courtyard space with neighboring businesses including The Roasterie and WeWork Kansas City. Community conference rooms and comfortable workspaces with free WiFi can be reserved at no charge by area businesses and organizations.

In addition to smart ATM and mobile services, Academy Bank in the Crossroads will offer the latest in banking technology with walk-up video banking that offers personal face-to-face service. With the touch of a screen, customers can speak with a video banker to help with most banking services with the convenience and flexibility of extended banking hours, seven days a week (8 am to 10 pm Mon - Fri; 8 am to 5 pm Sat; and 11 am to 4 pm Sun).

By the end of this year, Academy Bank also will introduce Academy Express - an innovative, drive-thru video banking and ATM service — also in the Crossroads Arts District. Academy Express will connect drive-up customers to a live banker outside of traditional banking hours, seven days a week.

This year, Academy Bank plans to open retail banking centers in Lenexa, KS. and the Northland in Kansas City, MO. In August, the bank opened a new retail banking center in Overland Park, KS.

Academy Bank ranked third on the Kansas City Business Journal’s list of the “strongest large banks in 2018” with a loan portfolio growth of 22.2%. The $1.5 billion-asset bank has 20 branches in the Kansas City bi-state region, making it the seventh-largest bank based in the Kansas City metropolitan area.