U.S. General Services Administration
Bannister modernization project halfway complete
By Charlie Cook
Modernization activities at 2306-2312 E. Bannister Road in Kansas City, Missouri, have crossed the midway point. Project managers expect the $50+ million construction contract to be substantially complete in March 2022, with the entire project closed out by the end of that same year.
Congress approved the alterations in 2017 to address aging and deteriorating building systems at the 67-year-old facility. Major work items include a new roof, HVAC, and major electrical replacement. The project also addresses ABA accessibility and life safety deficiencies, along with hazardous abatement.
GSA issued a notice to proceed on construction activities in December 2018. Project Manager Suvit Boyd currently lists the project at 58% complete.
“We had some minor setbacks along the way, particularly with some adjustments needed due to COVID-19. But, we have a risk management plan in place and don’t foresee any issues with keeping the project on schedule,” Boyd said.
The decision to renovate the facility and maintain the federal building, which prior to 2017 was part of the former Bannister Federal Complex, was driven by tenant needs. The Marines and the Navy maintain multiple mission-critical data centers in the 2306 E. Bannister portion. The Department of Agriculture and Federal Emergency Management Agency use warehouse space in the 2312 E. Bannister portion. U.S. Army North and GSA’s Kansas City South Field Office are also in the building.
In addition to Boyd, GSA’s primary project team includes Technical Representative Tom Thomas, Contract Specialist April Whitehead, and Contracting Officer Maria Doedtman — who recently took over as CO following Lisa Hancock’s retirement. J.E. Dunn is the general contractor, SFS Architecture provides architectural engineering services, and Jacobs serves as GSA’s construction management and inspections provider.
Redevelopment activities also continue on the former Bannister Federal Complex property (to the west of the railroad tracks), which housed GSA’s Regional Office until 2015. Private developers now call it the “Blue River Commerce Center,” where construction of seven new manufacturing and warehouse buildings was recently approved by the City Plan Commission.