New $25 million spec creative office building heading to River Market

Epoch Developments has announced that they plan to move forward with a $25 million spec office building on what is now a surface parking lot at the northwest corner of Third and Delaware in downtown KC's River Market.

The transit-oriented development project is proposed as a 64,000 SF, five-story building and will house office and restaurant space.

“This project will accelerate the transformation of Delaware into a diverse destination district,” said Craig Slawson, Epoch Developments founder. “This has long been a vision of ours and we’re excited to add a work component to the mix.”

Slawson said it’s important that the new structure complement the surrounding historical buildings, so plans include features and building materials that form a cohesive aesthetic for the street.

While still in the pre-leasing stage, the project is seeking a best-of-breed, locally owned and managed restaurant as well as a potential fitness club on the first floor. Floors two through five will be commercial space, and a possible floor six will have a penthouse suite with rooftop venue open to the public. Parking will be available underground.

Epoch, known for rescuing vintage buildings to convert and activate lifestyle communities in the urban core, currently owns 22 vintage buildings that are designed and/or operational and 3 acres of infills in Wichita, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City is home to 20 of the buildings, representing an investment of over $40 million. In Wichita, Epoch owns three warehouse-to-apartment conversions.

Project partners include Slaggie Architects and Catalyst Ventures. Construction is projected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year and be complete in late 2020.

Delaware Street Project developer adds Plexpod, promises more announcements

The addition of co-working concept Plexpod to the Delaware Street Project in the River Market is central to Epoch Developments’ overall strategy as it builds a walkable, creative district along the KC Streetcar line just north of I-70.

“Plexpod’s unique collaborative co-working community is exactly the type of tenant we’re hoping to attract,” Epoch Developments Founder Craig Slawson explained. “You can’t just lay products on the table and expect someone to be sucked into the space. You have to have something interesting to help curate a better experience for everyone.”

Co-working is one leg of a three-legged stool required for successful community activation and livelihood, according to Slawson, who lives in Denver but has long-standing family ties to the River Market area. The other legs of the stool are bars/restaurants and merchants.

Epoch owns 10 of the 18 street-facing buildings on historic Delaware Street and is about halfway through the redevelopment process. Slawson expects to make several new announcements by the end of the year-including an occupant for a streetcar donated by the City and tenants for existing storefront space and new construction.

Plexpod's new 8,000+ square foot space located on the first and second floors of 510 Delaware will open in December and be the company's fourth metro-area location, according to a release. 

“We see River Market and namely Delaware Street as one of the leading emerging hot spots of amenities, which is ideal for our Plexpod member community,” said Gerald Smith, founder and CEO. "This new facility will be another great collaboration location for Plexpod member-companies across the metro to access and enjoy.”   

Plexpod facilities in The Crossroads, Westport and Lenexa offer 16 types of work styles ranging from open desks and collaborative workspaces to private offices and team spaces. The concept features meeting rooms, photography studios and performance theaters as well as personal amenities including outdoor space, social events and fitness options.