A nearly century-old art deco office building in Kansas City, Missouri’s Power & Light District has been transformed into 135 contemporary apartments. Midland Lofts, which marks The Cordish Cos.’ first multifamily historical rehab project, was a collaborative effort with Helix Architecture + Design, builder Crossland Construction, and interior design firm RD Jones + Associates.
Project Details
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Developer: The Cordish Cos.
Architect: Helix Architecture + Design
Builder: Crossland Construction
Interior Designer: RD Jones + Associates
Opened: September 2024
Number of Units: 135
Unit Mix: Studios and one-bedrooms
Rents: $750 to $2,100
The building, originally constructed in 1927 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977, maintains its historic terra-cotta facade and iconic gold entrance doors. To make optimal use of the interior space, floor plans range between 319 and 975 square feet.
While the team incorporated modern finishes and systems, it restored the marble and an original revolving door in the lobby and preserved a 1927 mail chute. Interior spaces pay homage to the adjacent Midland Theatre’s golden age, featuring artwork celebrating the Hollywood stars who once performed there.
Jonathan Arnold
Midland Lofts targets the workforce housing market in downtown Kansas City, with rental rates accessible between $750 and $2,200 per month. With a focus on urban professionals, the team included diverse common areas spread throughout the building for residents who want both community connection and private workspaces. The lower first level serves as a social hub with an entertaining kitchen, while the second level features coworking spaces and package lockers, and the fifth floor houses the 1,100-square-foot fitness center. In addition, dedicated conference rooms and business centers on the 10th and 11th floors serve those residents working from home.
“The overwhelming response to Midland Lofts confirmed what we believed from the outset: Kansas City is ready for more housing that celebrates its past while meeting the needs of its present,” says Emelyna Aurich, director of property management at The Cordish Cos. “By bringing the iconic Midland Office building in the heart of the Kansas City Power & Light District back to life and preserving key architectural elements — from marble-clad lobbies to iconic gold doors — we’ve created something incredibly special. This is a model for how historic preservation, market responsiveness, and purposeful design can coexist to strengthen the fabric of a growing downtown.”
