Hoefer Welker launches in-house MEP engineering service

On the heels of its 25th anniversary, Hoefer Welker – a multidisciplinary architecture and engineering firm – has introduced mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering as its newest, in-house service line.

Engineered Performance Solutions (EPS), the name for the new MEP division, officially launched in December 2020. The firm tapped into three Hoefer Welker leaders, leveraging 40 years of combined experience, to comprise the team: Principal, Elise Kirchhofer, PE, and associate vice presidents, Jon Lee, PE, and Jeremy Hoefer, PE.

Kirchhofer directs the group with more than 20 years of industry experience, previously serving as an owner’s representative and in leadership roles for engineering and construction firms nationwide. Lee, an electrical engineer, and Hoefer, a mechanical engineer, have worked together for nearly eight years. Both bring strong business development and project management experience to their new director roles.

“We bring additional value as a team due to our unique backgrounds,” Kirchhofer said. “I've sat at the table from all sides – architect, engineer, owner and contractor – and Jon and Jeremy have a skillful understanding of cost, sales and client relations from their business experience. Together we’re redefining what it means to be an integrated design firm.”

After working together across various projects, the three saw an opportunity in their diverse skillsets and joined forces to help launch the new division.

“In our previous careers, we witnessed a lot of different perspectives and opportunities to improve the MEP process for building owners and clients,” Hoefer said. “The stars aligned, we reconnected, and here we are.”

The service line’s introduction further evolves Hoefer Welker’s client-focused services, as the EPS team’s combined offerings simplify the process for all involved parties.

“An in-house service allows us to provide more effective collaboration as well as a streamlined process,” Lee said. “This ultimately enables us to offer the best overall value and quality to our clients.”

EPS has already begun its first project, Aspiria, a 207-acre planned mixed-use campus on the former Sprint campus site.

“This project is only the beginning. It’s a great time for exceptional talent to join our growing team,” said Kirchhofer.

“To create something like EPS is exciting and being able to do that alongside trusted colleagues like Elise and Jon is truly special,” Hoefer said. “We’re looking forward to helping build the next chapter at Hoefer Welker.”

$60 million 'The Residences at Galleria' to open in 2022

The Residences at Galleria, a $60 million multifamily complex located adjacent to the former Sprint World Headquarters in the Galleria 115 development in Overland Park, Kan., is set to begin construction this summer and slated to open in 2022.

The four-story, luxury apartment complex is included in the first phase of the 5-plus acre development by Block Real Estate Services, LLC (BRES). The $350 million Galleria mixed-use development master plan includes two apartment buildings, office space, retail and entertainment.

JLL Capital Markets (JLL) arranged $21 million in joint venture equity partnership with Hartford Investment Management Company (“HIMCO”) on behalf of BRES for the development of the 322-unit, Class-A, podium multi-housing community.

"We are excited to partner with HIMCO on this project, and, from the beginning of discussions with them, it was clear that we had a shared vision for the quality of this project and its high-demographics location within Overland Park” said Ken Block, BRES managing principal.

The Residences include 322 one-, two- and three-bedroom units and will average 927 SF. Features include high ceilings, large walk-in closets with custom shelving, high-end appliances and finishes, European-style cabinetry, outdoor terraces, in-unit laundry rooms with full-size washers and dryers, double-paned windows and more.

A hallmark of the new community, designed by Hoefer Wysocki, is the walkable lifestyle. Adjacent to the site is a thriving commercial corridor, multiple entertainment districts, theaters, and endless restaurant choices. Outdoor patios are linked to The Residences by walking trails that encircle greenspace, sitting areas, a rolling rock waterfall and dog park.

"We are very excited to work with Block Real Estate Services on the Galleria. This community will raise the bar on luxury living in the area,” said Hoefer Wysocki vice president and director of multifamily design, Chris Armer, AIA, NCARB.

The project will feature the best community amenities offered in the submarket and include a large resort-style swimming pool with shallow ledge features; pool deck with cabanas, hot tub, sports courts and water features; fitness center with Peloton bikes, massage therapy and virtual training; outdoor group fitness areas; clubhouse with fireplace, game room and social media room; executive business center; dog park and pet spa; and covered and surface parking.

“Galleria will be BRES’ most exciting project to date, building on our successful experiences with this high-end podium product, which allows for a large, outdoor amenity deck and other amenities that are unique in this market,” Block said. 

The JLL capital markets debt placement team representing the borrower was led by executive managing director Jody Thornton, senior director Mark Erland, director Matt Benson and analyst Kellan Liem.

Other partners on the development team include Titan, Polsinelli and McClure.

Occidental completes purchase of Sprint Headquarters Campus

Occidental Management, a Wichita, Kansas-based, "turn-key" commercial real estate development and management firm, closed on its purchase yesterday of the 20-building, 190-acre Sprint Headquarters Campus.

Sprint Corp. chose Occidental after an extensive, nation-wide selection process based on their shared vision for working with Sprint and the other campus tenants to re-invigorate and create an environment for companies to recruit and retain top workforce talent in the region and country.

This vision includes the recently completed OPx redevelopment, which neighbors the campus and was transformed into a vibrant, contemporary Class A office complex.

"The Sprint campus has been one of our ideal acquisition targets in the Kansas City market, and we’re excited to start work to enhance the already amenity rich campus," said Gary Oborny, CEO and Chairman of Occidental.

The Sprint headquarters will remain on the Overland Park campus. As part of the agreement between the two companies, Sprint is leasing back buildings for its long-term office needs, primarily in the southern portion of the campus.

"We are excited to add to our operating platform in Overland Park. Sprint has solidified its long-standing commitment to Kansas City and we look forward to working with them and the other tenants on campus as they look to grow their businesses in our home State," said Chad Stafford, president of Occidental and Overland Park native.

With the transaction complete, Occidental expects to announce more details for its future plans for the campus by year’s end.