KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Plans to repurpose the historic Kansas City Star printing press building in the Crossroads district into a massive data center are coupled with plans to create diverse community spaces and business co-working opportunities, according to Patmos Founder and CEO John Johnson.

“When people think of data centers, they think of really ugly buildings that suck a lot of power and create no jobs,” Johnson said. “That’s precisely not what this building is going to be.”

The company’s official announcement focused on turning the 400,000-square-foot building into a “100+ megawatt AI innovation facility,” as part of a billion-dollar retrofit project. Johnson emphasized that while the data center will serve as the economic driving force of the building, it will also offer space for various public-facing businesses.

“The data center aspect will be the economic engine of this building, no doubt about it,” Johnson noted. “But as far as the public is involved, it will be a place for many people to work many jobs.”

Johnson envisions the building transforming into a tech hub, arts venue, and retail space. He sees the potential for a variety of businesses, from restaurants to barber shops, to populate the building’s available areas.

“Arts, architecture, tech, barber shop, pizza restaurant, anything,” said Johnson.

Local business owners, particularly in the arts-driven Crossroads area, have expressed concerns about balancing the district's established culture with future technological growth. Mark Sappington, owner of Take Care By OLEO, emphasized the importance of preserving the building's character while embracing innovation.

“This building has been here for like 110 years, and so anything that’s going to keep the character is important,” said Sappington. “You also don’t want to stifle innovation. It’s the tension between the two.”

Johnson countered this by highlighting the building’s potential: “Why go elsewhere when you have all the power right here in a beautiful building that’s been sitting there doing way too little for way too long?”

The first data center clients are expected to move into the space by early 2025, with the next phase of development—including the tech hub and other public spaces—projected for completion by late 2025 or early 2026.

Johnson also reflected on his long wait to secure the building deal, noting that he had been working on the acquisition for three years, even before discussions about a new Crossroads Royals stadium that would have demolished the site.

“I’m a big baseball fan and I think a baseball stadium could be awesome for Kansas City, but I was waiting,” said Johnson. “I was waiting for the vote and I was really surprised that it failed, and as soon as it failed, I got the call saying our deal was good to go.”