BOK Financial Building New Crossroads Offices at 17th and Grand

By Kevin Collison

BOK Financial has purchased part of the Grand Place redevelopment site near 17th and Grand in the Crossroads and plans to build a 10,000 square-foot branch bank there.

The $4- to $5 million bank project is the first sign of progress in about two years on a major redevelopment plan focused on renovating the historic former headquarters of The Kansas City Star and its property.

“The bank fits exactly the size and scale of what we wanted on that northwest corner,” said Vince Bryant of 3D Development. “We sold that lot to them and it will still be part of our campus and shared amenities.”

Kevin Kramer, market CEO for BOK, said the location fits well with the bank’s commitment to downtown.

“This new investment in downtown affirms our deep-rooted commitment to Kansas City,” he said in a statement.

A rendering of the lobby at the planned BOK Financial building. (Rendering by BNIM)

The project, which is expected to open in early 2023, will feature a full-service banking center, offices for the BOK Financial Corporate Trust division, as well as a large presentation room with access to an outdoor entertainment space overlooking downtown Kansas City.

“A lot of thought was put into honoring the features of the historical structures in the area and embracing our company and community’s future,” Kramer stated. “We are excited to welcome our clients into this new space.”

BNIM is the architect and McCownGordon will be the general contractor. BNIM also is the architect for the renovation of former The Star building.

“BOK Financial is a great partner and collaborator for BNIM,” Steve McDowell, BNIM CEO, said in a statement.

“BOKF immediately recognized the power of design to create environments that serve their clients and employees better, ensuring better service and high performance results for all that the bank and its team do.”

Grand Place is a $95 million redevelopment of the former Kansas City Star building at 1729 Grand. (Image from Grand Place website)

It’s been four years since the Kansas City Council approved tax incentives to assist Bryant’s $95 million redevelopment plan.  The landmark building at 1729 Grand was designed by Jarvis Hunt. It opened in 1911 with an addition built in 1924.

The Grand Place project calls for renovating the 225,000 square-foot building into office space and a food hall. An underground garage also is planned for the vacant property on the south side.

Two years ago, 3D announced that Overland Park-based Tria Health would be its first tenant, occupying about 17,600 square feet.

Bryant said he’s in negotiations with eight potential additional tenants and expects to have additional announcements in the next few months.

Work on completing the east half of The Star building is expected to begin then with the garage construction to start shortly afterwards, the developer said.