Black & Veatch Pays $60M for 1140 Lamar Ave.

KANSAS CITY, KS-Black & Veatch has purchased the 600,000-square-foot 11401 Lamar Ave. in Overland Park, KS for $60 million. The building is the world headquarters for the local engineering, consulting and construction company, which it has leased for several years now. As part of the acquisition, Black & Veatch plans to construct a 250,000 building on the property.

“This is a strategic and vital long-term decision that helps facilitate the efficient management of our growing integrated global workforce and improve the company’s financial strength,” says Len Rodman, president and CEO of Black & Veatch. “The company is well-positioned to help address the global demands for $42 trillion in infrastructure projects that are needed during the next 25 years.”

Company executives say they plan to secure financing for the purchase through local Kansas City-area banks. The acquisition should be complete by the middle of the year.

Black & Veatch will also work to build an additional 250,000-square-foot facility over the next six years to meet its growing business needs.

“This agreement allows us to implement at our world headquarters the same types of innovative and sustainable solutions we provide every day for our clients,” Rodman says. “With guidance from Overland Park, we are now able to plan for an additional 250,000-square-foot complex on the site when needed for future growth, as well as formulating significant enhancements to the existing facilities.”

The company considered roughly 40 sites throughout the Kansas City area before deciding to stick with the facility they now occupy and expand on the site and upgrade the facility.

“We now have the flexibility to begin making significant and sustainable building upgrades, an effort that will result in the development of a premiere facility serving as a benchmark for our future growth,” Rodman says.

As part of the facility enhancements, Black & Veatch will upgrade the HVAC and energy maintenance systems. The company will also focus on landscaping on the property and creating a rainwater reuse system. There will also be a solar courtyard and canopy and a bio garden.