MetroWire Media will host its upcoming Office-Retail Summit on Tuesday, March 31 at 4 p.m., offering attendees a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the newly renovated headquarters of JE Dunn Construction in Kansas City. More than a traditional panel event, the summit doubles as an immersive experience, allowing guests to walk through and engage with a workplace transformation that reflects the future of office design.
The six-story, 190,157 SF headquarters has been comprehensively reimagined to better support evolving work styles, future growth, and the collaborative culture that defines the employee-owned company. The project exemplifies intentional workplace design, aligning organizational culture with business strategy to create a modern, adaptable environment that enhances the employee experience while providing a polished setting to host clients and partners.
Attendees will see firsthand a variety of new features, including expanded and flexible meeting environments, enhanced workstations, and thoughtfully designed indoor-outdoor social areas. A standout element is the redesigned Work Café, now a year-round destination connected to an upgraded patio through an operable wall system, complete with integrated heating and audio to extend usability across seasons.
Functionality within the existing footprint was a key priority. The renovation introduced 23 new meeting spaces, including a dividable training room and additional conference areas to support growing team and client needs. Throughout the space, strategic brand storytelling is woven into corridors with digital displays, curated messaging, and project photography that highlight JE Dunn’s legacy without overwhelming the architecture.
Sustainability also played a defining role. Rather than demolishing, the project team repurposed the existing structure and diverted 107 tons of material from landfills, contributing to environmental benefits equivalent to growing more than 2,300 tree seedlings over a decade. The building earned both WELL Gold and LEED Gold certifications, underscoring its commitment to high-performance, people-centered design.
Despite the scale of the transformation, the project was delivered while the building remained fully operational, relying on careful phasing and consistent communication to maintain business continuity.
The summit will feature insights from Charlie Lowe of CrossRoads Real Estate, Chris Jimemez of Clockwork Architects, and Beck Johnson of Walnut Risk Management, moderated by Marcia Youker, Midwest Regional Client Solutions Director with JE Dunn Construction. The discussion will be enhanced by the very environment attendees will experience in real time.
Header image: The new reception area of JE Dunn's Kansas City headquarters will be the site for MetroWire Media's Office-Retail Summit March 31st. Image / JE Dunn