Kansas City is set to witness a major transformation in its North Loop district, where two long-vacant office buildings — the Poindexter and Centennial towers — are being redeveloped into sustainable, mixed-income urban housing. Spearheaded by Arnold Development Group, the $76.6 crore project aims to convert these heritage structures into up to 192 residential units in the first phase, aligning with the city’s goal of promoting equitable and eco-friendly urban growth.
These two buildings, which once housed operations of DST Systems Inc., have remained unused since early 2020. The Poindexter Building, a seven-storey structure dating back to 1902, and the Centennial Building, a mid-century concrete edifice from 1950, together offer more than 490,000 square feet of potential living space. Importantly, they also come with over 1,500 existing garage parking spots — a logistical advantage that makes them prime for adaptive reuse.
Arnold Development Group, known for its sustainability-driven urban projects, has been working on the proposal for nearly a year. The firm envisions a vibrant residential community where 20 per cent of the homes are reserved for renters earning up to 60 per cent of the city’s median family income, helping to alleviate the city’s mounting demand for affordable housing. The upper floors of the Poindexter Building are also planned to house shared spaces such as a clubroom and co-working areas.
The Kansas City Planned Industrial Expansion Authority (PIEA) recently advanced the general development plan, paving the way for future property tax abatements and sales tax exemptions on construction materials. These incentives are considered essential to the financial viability of the conversion. In parallel, Arnold Development is pursuing federal and state historic tax credits and applying to the city’s Housing Trust Fund.
While preserving the historical character of the buildings, the project also intends to integrate energy-efficient upgrades, including Passive House-level standards in future phases. Although some modern technologies like triple-glazed windows may be restricted due to historic conservation rules, newer construction phases are expected to incorporate green building practices, reduced carbon footprints, and rooftop green spaces.Following the completion of the current phase, Arnold Development is eyeing additional development on the surrounding DST-owned surface parking lots. Long-term plans suggest the potential addition of hundreds more residential units and up to 62,000 square feet of retail space, turning this underutilised zone into a lively, walkable community.
For now, the focus remains on the conversion of the Poindexter and Centennial buildings, with the project expected to begin by late 2025 and completed within three years. If realised as planned, the redevelopment would not only preserve Kansas City’s architectural legacy but also set a model for inclusive and sustainable urban revitalisation.
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