Marina
A monumental tech development is on the horizon—Project Kestrel, a $100 billion data center campus, is planned to rise north of Kansas City International Airport (KCI).
Spearheaded by Port KC, this expansive project aims to transform the KCI-29 mega-site into a cutting-edge digital hub.
Project Overview & Key Figures
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Project Kestrel |
| Location | KCI-29 Logistics Park, north of KCI |
| Land Area | Approximately 380 acres |
| Structures Planned | 6 hyperscale data centers totaling up to 1.8 million sq ft |
| Tax Revenue Projection | Over $110 million across project phases |
| Initial Funding to Schools | $2.62 million to Northland Career Center (first 5 years) |
| Workforce Development Fund | $0.25 per sq ft built; estimated $15.75 million overall |
| Job Creation | Around 50 high-paying jobs with salaries over $100,000 |
| Utilities & Infrastructure | Upgraded water, fiber, roads |
| Energy Commitment | Minimum 50% carbon-free energy, water replacement fees |
| Groundbreaking | First construction phase begins in 2026 |
Spark for a Tech Transformation
Port KC has launched Project Kestrel to create a modern tech-ready campus that supports cloud computing demands while signaling Kansas City’s rise as a regional digital infrastructure hub.
Designed to empower companies looking to scale, the development is one of the largest economic and technological investments in the region’s history.
Community & Economic Benefits
- Education and Workforce Support: Early tax contributions benefit the new Northland Career Center, while ongoing investments—like a per-square-foot levy—ensure $15.75 million will fund skills training over time.
- High-Wage Employment: With 50-plus jobs paying above $100,000, the project brings rare high-paying opportunities to the region.
- Infrastructure Readiness: Upgrades to roads, fiber networks, and water systems open the door for additional development in KCI-29.
- Sustainable Goals: The project commits to 50% renewable energy usage, utility fee structures that offset water usage, and efforts to enhance local ecosystems.
As Port KC’s CEO Jon Stephens put it, this is more than a facility—it’s a long-term partnership fostering local opportunity and powering the area’s digital economy.
Phased Timeline & Strategic Logistics
- Phase 1 Construction: Set for 2026, kicking off the campus build-out.
- Extended Scope: Development will span multiple decades, enabling flexibility and scalability.
- Bond Backing: A $100 billion conduit bond framework ensures long-term financing through approved Port KC channels.
Project Kestrel marks a bold shift in Kansas City’s economic landscape—turning 380 acres of industrial land into a state-of-the-art data center campus.
With strategic infrastructure upgrades, workforce investments, and high-wage job creation, the project lays a strong foundation for future tech growth. As ground breaks in 2026, Project Kestrel aims not just to house servers, but to power the region’s future.