Two life science and agribusiness oriented projects are intended as the chemical catalyst for a larger $5 billion mixed-use development in south Kansas City.
Jim Stowers III, owner of Oxford Cos. LLC, and Ryan Cos. anticipate 2022 groundbreakings on a 120,000-square-foot life science and office building and a 100,000-square-foot commercial greenhouse and farmer's market on 325 acres northwest of Interstate 435 and 87th Street. Land development and public improvements to make way for those projects will begin earlier that summer.
The multi-tenant building includes a 50-50 split between lab space and offices and will be built on a speculative basis, amid significant growth within the life science community, said Brandon Brensing, director of real estate development with Ryan Cos.' Kansas City office.
"A traditional life science company can't just go into an office building," he told the Kansas City Business Journal, citing specific requirements like vibration control and laboratory exhaust systems. "The speculative side of this will allow us to come into the market and attract businesses which will help us lead the project."
Proceeds from the phase one project are planned to benefit a 501(c)3 nonprofit donor advised fund at the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation.
The life science and office building sits within The Glade's central "Center of Excellence for Precision Health Research," a village district set to host 1.4 million square feet of commercial and residential uses. The lion's share, or 1 million square feet, are to include spaces for genomic research, genetic counseling and sequencing, clinical research organizations, health clinics and higher education.
Also included is room for supporting businesses, such as patent attorneys and traditional food and beverage users, meant to service researchers under time constraints, Brensing said.
"We were really excited about the opportunity to create something that would be a differentiator for Kansas City as well as an opportunity to better the Kansas City community," he said. "It's a very specific pursuit to be able to have the life science component leading the project initiatives as well as being the first project."
The phase two greenhouse will be located at The Glade's south end and involve partnership with sustainable agriculture academia. It and the initial building both are targeted for completion in 2023.
The Glade's developers are vying to build about 3 million commercial square feet — with entitlement to build as much as 4 million — plus as many as 2,500 residences, including single-family homes and multifamily units. Milhaus is completing the first 263 units as part of a garden-style apartment community.
The Port Authority of Kansas City's board of commissioners on Oct. 25 approved an expression of intent to issue up to $5 billion in bonds, providing property tax exemptions as The Glade's non-residential components are built out over a 15-year period, as well as a memorandum of understanding that outlines tax exemption levels and potential additional incentives. The development could generate 4,000 jobs over the next 10 to 20 years, project representatives said.
The Glade is a new iteration of Oxford on the Blue, a $1.3 billion biotech research park near village-style residential housing proposed by Stowers in 2014. The land site originally was assembled by broker Whitney Kerr Sr. in 60 transactions over 17 years.
"This is not only the first step in implementing the vision I’ve had for this site for many years but will continue to make a positive impact on the Kansas City community in the area of life science forever," said Stowers in a statement. "At its core, we are creating opportunities for the Kansas City economy to continue the growth of the life sciences by creating a vibrant, sustainable and thriving community for all."
Development partners include DPZ CoDesign as concept planner and JLL, from which life science brokers John Cunningham, of New Jersey, and Grant Schoneman, of San Diego, will represent the village district's spaces.
