AT KCI-29 INDUSTRIAL SITE IN PLATTE COUNTY
Referred to as “Project Kestrel,” a $100 billion data center campus is coming to the Northland in the KCI corridor in Platte County, according to Port KC.
The project will “bring development infrastructure, community investment and long-term economic growth, according to information distributed by Port KC.
Port KC functions as an economic development arm for Kansas City by strategically developing land, attracting jobs, “and using tools like tax incentives and bonds to spur growth,” according to the website for Port KC.
The data center is planned on 379 acres of land within an existing industrial mega site known as KCI-29, which is located at 13231 NW Roanridge Road, Kansas City in Platte County, not far from N. Bethel Ave. and Roanridge. For a point of reference, that location is about an eight minute drive from Downtown Platte City.
KCI-29 Logistics Park is a Hunt Midwest property, although it is being developed in partnership with Port KC. Hunt Midwest owns the 3,300-acre site where the park is located and is developing it as the largest logistics park in Missouri, according to Hunt Midwest.
Hunt Midwest is leading development of the KCI-29 Logistics Park, which will include logistics and manufacturing space.
The data center project will consist of six hyperscale data centers totaling up to 1.8 million square feet upon full build-out.
“Designed to power the next generation of cloud computing and technology-driven industries, the campus represents one of the largest technology investments in the region’s history by one of the world’s leading tech companies,” according to Port KC.
The project is expected to generate more than $110 million in new tax revenue across all phases over the bond term–compared to the current annual tax revenue of just $1,400.
The first payment of $2.62 million will be paid during the first five years to the new Northland Workforce Development Center.
In addition to the educational investment, “Project Kestrel” will also invest in workforce development. With each square foot built, a 25 cents per square foot charge will be collected and distributed to the area’s workforce development.
Built out to full expectations, an estimated $15.75 million would help train the area’s workforce.
Port KC says the project will deliver public infrastructure enhancements, including water, fiber and road networks, that will unlock future development opportunities across a variety of land uses at KCI-29.
The development understands concerns surrounding the investment into data centers and is committed to utilizing a minimum of 50 percent of all energy from carbon-free resources, according to Port KC.
It will also be paying standard city water and wastewater metering rates and is committed to replacing above the amount of water it consumes to support water security ecosystems.
The data center campus is anticipated to create approximately 50 high-paying jobs per phase, with average annual salaries exceeding $100,000. These positions will contribute to the region’s talent pipeline while attracting top-tier professionals in data and technology operations.
“This data center represents more than just a technology investment, it’s a long-term partnership with our community,” said Jon Stephens, CEO of Port KC. “From strengthening workforce development and education programs to improving infrastructure and creating high-value jobs, this project will help power both the digital economy and local opportunity for decades to come.”
Construction on the first phase is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Members of the Port KC Board of Commissioners include Denvoir Griffin, Wes Rogers, Morgan Said, Jack Steadman, Claire Terrebone, Matthew Oates and Kevin O’Neill.
