North Kansas City, Mo., has provided one of the most effective and efficient business locations since its incorporation in 1912. Area businesses enjoy easy access to customers, employees and suppliers with the city's superb location at the hub of the region's transportation network. A large and diverse economic base, within a concentrated area of only four square miles, helps allow economies that translate into high levels of municipal services and low taxes.
Approximately 1,000 businesses, including many of the world's most acclaimed corporations, call North Kansas City home. A continuous stream of new construction projects, to the tune of nearly $100 million annually, blend award-winning hi-tech buildings, new urbanism housing and historic storefronts seamlessly into the city's largely industrial landscape. Available land sites and the 25 million sq. ft. of existing commercial / industrial building space, enable the city to accommodate all forms of business expansions and relocations.
Industrial growth related to building materials, coatings, printing, agricultural products and automobile parts has been tremendous. Meanwhile, a new fiber-optic initiative to connect all homes and businesses to a city-owned fiber system is expected to advance the city to the forefront of "New Economy" business development. A cross-section of recent projects helps illustrate the vibrancy and wide diversity of the City's economy:
Cerner Corporation, a world leader in the development of health care information systems, is in the midst of adding about 750,000 sq. ft. of office space at its world headquarters in North Kansas City. This major project is will bring nearly $200 million in new capital improvements and add about 3,000 new local jobs. Cerner estimates adding total area investment of about $1 billion including its research and development initiatives. Cerner currently employs approximately 3,000 associates in the area.
Helzberg's Diamond Shops, one of the nation's largest retailers of fine jewelry, recently received city approval for a $13 million redevelopment / expansion at its headquarters in North Kansas City, Mo. Helzberg's averages more than 16 new store openings a year and has a total of 262 stores nationwide. Its rapid growth has resulted in doubled employment to over 230 local employees.
North Kansas City Hospital, a city owned hospital, has completed a $137 million expansion to its health services pavilion. The expansion will add 130 inpatient beds, increased outpatient services, parking and several hundred new jobs. The hospital is a 490 -bed, acute care facility, which offers some of the nation's most advanced technology and professional services and employs nearly 3,000 people.
Tradebot Systems, one of the nations most active stock trading operations in terms of total daily transactions houses its 30 employees at its high-tech headquarters / trade center in North Kansas City's central business district.
National Starch and Chemical, an international exporter of cornstarch ingredients to every continent on earth consolidated a significant portion of their national and international manufacturing operations to the North Kansas City plant. The expansion added over $20 million of improvements and about 30 new employees to its existing local workforce of over 200 associates.
Doorlink Inc., a manufacturer of overhead doors has opened a 100,000 sq. ft. production facility that employs over 80 people.
Lifetime Products, Inc., The nation's largest manufacturer of polyethylene folding tables and chairs, has purchased a 280,000 sq. ft. distribution center in North Kansas City, Mo. Lifetime has future plans for adding manufacturing operations. Other recent Distribution / Logistics projects include: DEMDACO, Penske Logistics and Arch Sales, which together recently occupied about 600,000 sq. ft. of space
Harrah's Entertainment, one of the most recognized and respected names in the casino entertainment industry, has recently completing a $130 million expansion to their Casino and Hotel operations, which opened in 1995. The combined investment at the facility, estimated at over $250 million with this newest addition, has brought about 1,600 area jobs and continues to attract around five million visitors annually.
North Kansas City takes pride in providing an environment conducive for a high quality of life for both residents and guests. Newly added amenities include, historic downtown retail district renovations, a new $20 million North Kansas City Community Center, a $5 million North Kansas City Library expansion; and the $100 million Northgate Village mixed-use development, which includes about 800 new housing units designed with a new-urbanism appeal. |
