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SOM Unveils Vertical Data Center Design for Downtown Kansas City

architecture-design · 2026-08-05

SOM, an international architecture firm, has revealed plans for a 20-storey data centre at 934 Central Street in Kansas City, USA, developed by Revitalization Unlimited, based in Miami. This tower will be built on a 0.23-acre lot that currently hosts the Western Newspaper Union Building. The architectural design incorporates vertically arranged data floors, cooling systems, power infrastructure, and public facilities, forming a 'vertical closed loop' of resources. The exterior will feature earth-toned masonry and expansive glass windows. At ground level, there will be 4,700 square feet allocated for retail spaces, with on-site power generation from natural gas cells, touted as '100 percent independent from the grid.' Concerns from locals have emerged regarding the demolition and urban heat island effects. The City Planning Commission is set to review the proposal on 5 August 2026.

Key facts

  • SOM designed a 20-storey vertical data centre at 934 Central Street, Kansas City, USA.
  • The site is currently occupied by the Western Newspaper Union Building.
  • Developer: Revitalization Unlimited, based in Miami.
  • The design stacks data, cooling, and power systems vertically on a 0.23-acre site.
  • Facade: earth-coloured masonry with large glass panes; external core.
  • Ground floor includes 4,700 sq ft (436 sq m) of shops.
  • On-site power generation from natural gas cells, claimed to be 100% independent from the grid.
  • Water is internally cycled with evaporative cooling elements.
  • Tower designed for future conversion to residential, office, or mixed-use.
  • Community pushback over demolition and potential urban heat island effects.
  • City Planning Commission review scheduled for 5 August 2026.
  • Related projects: Gensler's hyperscale data centre in Utah; data centre at Truman Brewery, London.

Entities

Institutions

  • SOM
  • Revitalization Unlimited
  • Western Newspaper Union Building
  • City Planning Commission
  • Gensler
  • Truman Brewery

Locations

  • Kansas City
  • USA
  • Miami
  • Utah
  • London

Sources