New $25 million spec creative office building heading to River Market

Epoch Developments has announced that they plan to move forward with a $25 million spec office building on what is now a surface parking lot at the northwest corner of Third and Delaware in downtown KC's River Market.

The transit-oriented development project is proposed as a 64,000 SF, five-story building and will house office and restaurant space.

“This project will accelerate the transformation of Delaware into a diverse destination district,” said Craig Slawson, Epoch Developments founder. “This has long been a vision of ours and we’re excited to add a work component to the mix.”

Slawson said it’s important that the new structure complement the surrounding historical buildings, so plans include features and building materials that form a cohesive aesthetic for the street.

While still in the pre-leasing stage, the project is seeking a best-of-breed, locally owned and managed restaurant as well as a potential fitness club on the first floor. Floors two through five will be commercial space, and a possible floor six will have a penthouse suite with rooftop venue open to the public. Parking will be available underground.

Epoch, known for rescuing vintage buildings to convert and activate lifestyle communities in the urban core, currently owns 22 vintage buildings that are designed and/or operational and 3 acres of infills in Wichita, Kansas, and Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City is home to 20 of the buildings, representing an investment of over $40 million. In Wichita, Epoch owns three warehouse-to-apartment conversions.

Project partners include Slaggie Architects and Catalyst Ventures. Construction is projected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year and be complete in late 2020.