By Lindsey Coulter

The University of Missouri–Kansas City continues advancing several major construction and renovation projects across campus, with work underway on academic, student-support and administrative facilities tied to the university’s strategic goals.

Current projects include the Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building at 25th and Charlotte��streets��and renovations to the Atterbury Student Success Center.��Additional��projects expected to begin construction this year include the expansion of the Conservatory’s Olson Performing Arts Center and renovations to the UMKC Administrative Center.����

Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building��

The 160,000-square-foot Healthcare Delivery and Innovation Building��remains��the largest capital improvement project in UMKC history.����

According to the university, the project reached a major��milestone��Sept. 17 when crews placed the final structural beam after a signing ceremony involving elected officials, university leadership, students,��faculty��and staff.����

Construction crews are continuing interior and exterior work throughout the facility. Interior wall framing is progressing, while drywall installation, piping insulation and overhead��mechanical,��electrical, plumbing and fire-protection systems continue advancing. Exterior work includes completion of penthouse metal panels, curtain wall installation,��roofing��and remaining fire-hydrant connections.����

The building is expected to open in 2027.����

Atterbury Student Success Center��

Renovations at the Atterbury Student Success Center began in May 2025 and are expected to conclude in summer 2026.����

The university reported that walls and ceilings are��nearly fully��installed, while carpet installation, painting and finish work are underway. Construction at the building’s north entry is expected to continue into the first part of summer.����

Once complete, the renovated facility will house Admissions, the UMKC School of Graduate Studies, the Center for Transfer Students and Adult Learners, Roo Advising, Career Services, University��College��and International Student Affairs. Plans also include a Welcome Center with a two-story atrium intended to host prospective students and their families.����

Career Services programming will also expand to include a Professional Wardrobe Studio, providing students with access to professional clothing options and interview headshots. UMKC Central and the Financial Wellness Center will��relocate��from the Administrative Center into the renovated building as part of the project.����

Olson Performing Arts Center Expansion��

UMKC Chancellor Mauli Agrawal announced during the 2025 State of the University that the Olson Performing Arts Center expansion is expected to break ground in 2026.����

The 35,000-square-foot addition will add performance and rehearsal spaces on the east side of the building extending toward Volker Boulevard.����

University officials said the project will increase performance, classroom and collaboration opportunities for students and the Kansas City community. The first phase of construction is estimated at $35 million and includes a large music ensemble performance and rehearsal space, two dance rehearsal rooms, support space for the dance program and a new accessible black box performance venue.����

According to the university, the black box addition will help create a “theatre district” alongside White Recital Hall, Spencer��Theatre��and the McIlrath Lobby.����

The second phase will renovate existing facilities, including White Recital Hall, to create��additional��classroom and theatre space as well as expanded student collaboration areas.��

UMKC Administrative Center Renovation��

Renovations to the UMKC Administrative Center are expected to begin in late spring and conclude in winter 2027.����

The project will focus on the building’s front exterior and first floor, including accessibility improvements such as removing stairs in the entryway and lobby and adding accessible parking spaces.����

Interior renovations include a refreshed lobby and new reception desk. As part of the changes, UMKC Central will��relocate��to the Atterbury Student Success Center, while its former Administrative Center space will become an alumni reception area and office suite for the UMKC Foundation.����

The post University of Missouri-Kansas City Construction Reflects Broad Campus Investment appeared first on �鶹������.

The post University of Missouri-Kansas City Construction Reflects Broad Campus Investment appeared first on �鶹������.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Construction has reached a key milestone on the Northland Workforce Development Center, as JE Dunn Construction and project partners recently celebrated the topping out of the new facility. The event marked the placement of the final structural steel beam for the project, signaling��significant progress��on the 145,000-square-foot, two-story building designed to expand access to career and technical education across the Northland region.��

Prior to the��beam’s��installation, attendees��participated��in a traditional beam-signing ceremony, adding their names and messages to a steel beam bearing project and partner logos. The moment underscored the collaboration among the Platte County R-3 School District, partner school districts, project��stakeholders��and the broader community in advancing a shared workforce development vision.��

“This project is about creating opportunities and pathways for the next generation of skilled professionals in our region,” said Brad Hokanson, Project Executive at JE Dunn Construction. “Reaching the topping out milestone is a testament to the collaboration between the district, design team, and trade partners who are bringing this innovative learning environment to life.”��

The Northland Workforce Development Center is designed to support programs in skilled trades, manufacturing, health��sciences��and human services. Once complete, the facility will expand the capacity of Northland Career Center and its partners, serving both high school students and adult learners seeking industry-aligned training and credentials.��

Planned program spaces include flexible labs and classrooms, hands-on training��environments��and technology-rich areas that reflect real-world workplace conditions. Located in the Northland region of Kansas City, the project is progressing on schedule, with substantial completion targeted in 2027 and a summer opening��anticipated��following the structural milestone.��

“With support from the State of Missouri, local municipalities, businesses and industries, individual investors, and community foundations, we are making a long-term investment in the success of our students and the future of our region,” said Brian Noller, Executive Director of Business Services and NWDC Campaign Lead at Platte County School District. “The Northland Workforce Development Center will open doors to high-demand career opportunities, strengthen employers across the Kansas City area, and help ensure our community remains competitive for years to come.”��

JE Dunn is serving as construction manager for the project, working in partnership with the school district and design firm Clark & Enersen. The project team has emphasized safety, schedule��adherence��and coordination throughout construction, while��maintaining��communication with stakeholders and minimizing disruption to nearby facilities.��

The Northland Workforce Development Center��represents��a regional investment in workforce readiness, aligning educational infrastructure with evolving industry needs and supporting long-term economic development in the Kansas City area.��

The post JE Dunn Marks Topping-Out Milestone for Northland Workforce Development Center appeared first on �鶹������.

The post JE Dunn Marks Topping-Out Milestone for Northland Workforce Development Center appeared first on �鶹������.

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.—A groundbreaking ceremony was held in early June for the new $20 million Boyd Elementary School in Springfield.

Located on a site less than a mile from the existing Boyd Elementary, the new school will provide innovative spaces for preschool classrooms, improved accessibility, learning, separate gym and cafeteria spaces and a safe room for staff and 300 students.

“This building will open so many opportunities for our students,” said Boyd Principal Angela Holloway-Payne in a statement.

“One of the most important to our students is ample restrooms in close proximity to classrooms. I really don’t think our kids realize that this means less time out of the classroom and more instructional time.”

Added School Board President Dr. Alina Lehnert, “The new school to be constructed on this site is an example of the Springfield School Board’s commitment to doing what is best for students.

We believe that by investing in our students and schools, we are investing not only in Boyd’s future but in the best interests of Springfield, too.”

The architects on this project include��H Design Group��and Hollis & Miller Architects. The general contractor is��BP Builders.

Completion is slated for the 2021-2022 school year.

The post Missouri Breaks Ground on $20M Grade School appeared first on �鶹������.

The post Missouri Breaks Ground on $20M Grade School appeared first on �鶹������.