A symbol of downtown Kansas City, the 1931 Kansas City Power & Light Building stood as the tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi for over 30 years. Designed by the renowned Kansas City firm Hoit, Price, & Barnes, the building was constructed during the Great Depression as a new headquarters for the Kansas City Power & Light Company. Its elegant art deco design—inside and out—embodied the optimism of industrial progress and westward expansion. 

The original plans featured a lavish retail space on the ground floor that served as an “electric appliance showroom,” with office spaces occupying the tower above. However, by 2014, the building’s once-bustling halls had fallen silent after decades of near-zero office occupancy. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, NorthPoint Development acquired the building and its adjacent parking lot with a vision to restore and reimagine this iconic structure for a new era. 

Collaborating with local historians, city officials, and community stakeholders, we developed a comprehensive plan for the adaptive reuse of the tower. The ambitious project introduced 210 market-rate apartments into the existing tower and added a 500-stall parking garage on the adjacent parcel. The new garage was wrapped with 81 additional apartments and street-level retail space, connected to the tower by a fourth-floor skybridge over the alley. 

The restored tower now features a mix of amenities, including a street-level event space known as The Grand Hall, a clubroom with fitness facilities, a screening room, sauna, jacuzzi, therapy and massage suites, and wine storage. The 31st floor offers a luxurious tenant lounge with a terrace providing 360-degree views of Kansas City. The rooftop of the parking garage has been transformed into an urban oasis with a pool and cabanas, creating a unique gathering space in the heart of downtown. 

While much of the building’s historic interior had been altered or removed over the years, its primary frame remained structurally sound. New construction carefully integrated with the existing concrete frame to maximize ceiling heights and natural light. Apartment units in the tower feature high-end finishes, including engineered hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, and large windows. Select units include private terraces, while units in the newly constructed building offer balconies and extensive street frontage to bring in natural daylight. 

The iconic “wedding cake” stepped appearance of the building—a result of a 1923 zoning ordinance—has been revived with a full-color-changing lighting system that recalls its historic spire, which once forecasted the weather through shifting light displays. 

This adaptive reuse project celebrates the Kansas City Power & Light Building’s art deco heritage while transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use community, ensuring this architectural masterpiece remains a beacon of progress and innovation for years to come.