Ryan Companies opens new KC office

Ryan Companies has officially moved into its new Kansas City office on a second-floor suite of the Interstate Securities Building/Topsy Building at 215 E 18th St. in downtown Kansas City, Mo.

The construction and real estate development firm has been working in the KC market for 15 years, but it wasn’t until 2018 that they established a physical presence in the city.

The 3,213 SF office is designed to seat 16 employees, with room to expand up to 24. The building was built in 1950 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The decision to further invest in the Kansas City market was ultimately made because of their success that has come out of the last decade and a half paired with a great outlook for decades to come, according to Ryan's marketing team.

“We’re stoked to be in another one of 3D Development’s and Lankford Fendler’s projects. True to fashion, they continue to outdo themselves and we can’t wait to pour an Irish pint (or two) when we have our official open house. In the meantime, give us a ring, bring a mask and come check out our new digs! You’ll love our Northwoods fireplace (in the winter) and the view from the rooftop the next time the temperature drops,” said Aaron Schlagel, vice president – real estate development, midwest region for Ryan Companies.

Ryan Companies also announced the relocation of  Craig Thompson, vice president of construction, from its Des Moines, Iowa offices to its new office in Kansas City.

“I want to help build something in Kansas City that will continue for years to come. In Des Moines, we were able to grow the office by four times what it was when we began. With Kansas City being a bigger market, the sky is the limit for what we can do here,” said Thompson.

Thompson, who just celebrated his 20-year anniversary with Ryan Companies, will help lead the growth of Ryan’s rapidly expanding team and presence in Kansas City.

Ryan Companies’ noteworthy local projects include Commerce Tower, St. Luke’s Community Hospital in Shawnee, Kan.) and multiple projects for Target and Amazon. The company will focus on real estate development while continuing to provide construction services.

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.