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Thomas Friestad

@thomasfriestad.bsky.social
534 followers 553 following 460 posts

Development reporter covering who's building what, for whom and at what cost, with the Kansas City Business Journal. NoVA native turned Midwesterner by way of Mizzou J-School. Catch me running, reading, traveling, playing Smash or (re)watching Survivor.

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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Unfortunate KC Star layoffs, months after @san.com reports of McClatchy brass bemoaning a lack of “dramatic” new web traffic from investing in local reporting vs. AI story repackaging. Clearly disinvesting is the solution! Callous and rudderless.
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
The lack of Luminary Park sure didn’t seem to blunt Oranje’s World Cup enthusiasm Downtown this morning!
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 22/04/2026
This, from our profile of former KC Mayor Kay Barnes earlier this year, hits a little different in light of today's Royals news. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
Of note: I realized, after this story, Kansas Commerce published two versions of their STAR bond map — one standalone, appearing to include Lake Quivira, and another as an agreement exhibit, with red-dash lines excluding it. The 293-square-mile estimate counts Lake Quivira's ~1.6-square-mile area. 🤷‍♂️
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
I got the 293-square-mile figure by compiling the total land area of seven cities that appear to be fully within Kansas Commerce's "illustrative" district — KCK, Bonner Springs, Edwardsville, Lake Quivira, Shawnee, Lenexa and Olathe. It could be that, less existing approved STAR bond districts.
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 23/12/2025
A little late-night reading 😅
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Point of clarification: this concept shows potential Plaza apartments, not offices 😂
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
I'm an hour and a half into the City Plan Commission's review of the Country Club Plaza master plan this morning. Here's a first look at some of the new apartment, hotel and office building concepts designed by Gillon Property Group. Stay tuned for our coverage of whatever outcome follows.
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 25/09/2025
"Developers buy historic Scarritt complex to preserve as music-themed hotel" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
"KC cancels border-war incentive cap while pledging 'responsible' economic development" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
"Why KC’s bus company has expanded development incentives to new projects" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 15/09/2025
"Country Club Plaza luxury hotel faces expiring flag, loan maturity, as owners market for sale" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 11/09/2025
"Roy Blunt Luminary Park's cost jumps $100M as KC targets more funding options" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 09/09/2025
Near year's end, I am assigned listicle-type stories with overviews of development projects in different parts of KC, for those who might have missed the original news. Fair to say, there was much to round up on the Berkley Riverfront. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 03/09/2025
Exploring some “higher and better” uses — natural ones — in Montana before getting back to the daily grind!
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 21/08/2025
"Owner lists former Bar K location on riverfront for sale, lease to new retailer" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 19/08/2025
"Lee's Summit grocery store sues over 'unconstitutional' special taxing district" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 15/08/2025
"Kansas City developer plans Leawood mixed-use campus with mystery corporate HQ" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
"Judge dismisses historic Fed building's bankruptcy case after fires, safety concerns" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
“Fiserv lease at Aspiria has protection, no matter how Royals proceed with campus loan” (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 12/08/2025
“Downtown garage set for demolition, following partial facade collapse” (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
The $232.5M Aspiria campus loan held by a Royals affiliate is set to mature tomorrow, and as of Wednesday afternoon, county records reflected no new debt secured to repay it. My look at what could happen next as the stadium saga continues: (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
The 3-acre dirt pit once planned for Nordstrom on the Country Club Plaza caps building heights at 10 stories, or 130 feet, under KC's code. A new ordinance would change that, in a move the Plaza's owners say would grant more flexibility for a future tower. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
From KCBJ's Leslie Collins: "Bar K scraps national expansion plans, abruptly shutters business" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...) This is a personal blow - Bar K is where we met & rescued Sadie, who loved her "zoomies" around their park. Guessing this won't be the last Bar K headline to come.
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 29/07/2025
"Developer's $465M master plan includes converting blighted Scarritt Building as music-themed hotel" Alternatively: "'The next Taylor Swift' could be found in this historic KC building! Here's why!!" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 24/07/2025
There's been another real estate deal related to a potential Royals ballpark site — but this time, not to the team itself. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 23/07/2025
"Fires, insurance issues drive push to dismiss historic Fed bankruptcy case" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 15/07/2025
"Why the Country Club Plaza is appealing 2025 property values, and why that matters" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 14/07/2025
NEW: In letter to Gov. Kehoe, Jackson County Executive White proposes $500M-700M for Chiefs renovations under new three-way split of stadium sales tax (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
Here's a cover story I've been chipping away at since late 2024, focused on KC's Housing Trust Fund, what affordable units it has created (not just awarded) so far and the city's need to identify long-term funding, with existing bonds running dry after 2026. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 27/06/2025
Lockton Cos. has been evaluating a potential move from its longtime Country Club Plaza HQ for well over a year. A possible site that's been on the table: the Plaza's so-called Nordstrom site. Another sits across the state line in Kansas. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
'Old-school' entertainment venue with bowling, cocktails is coming to KC. Here's where. See my story: (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 23/06/2025
A nonprofit tied to VanTrust Real Estate LLC has quietly taken on different housing projects around KC. I recently sat down with the firm's founder to learn more about what he hopes, in time, will become a nationwide engine addressing the affordability crisis. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
Introducing a downtown KCMO proposal that's been in the works for some time. Arnold Development Group has started going through PIEA for a $76.6M plan to convert two ex-DST offices with up to 192 apartments. Many more could follow on nearby surface lots. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 13/06/2025
"Missouri's $1.5B stadium plan hinges on 'sufficient' local investment. How much is enough?" Kansas' STAR bond offer is set to end 6/30 barring terms with the Chiefs and/or Royals. KCMO agencies also have the go-ahead to put a specific Royals plan together. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 12/06/2025
"This bridge would be closed for Blunt Luminary Park over I-670. Here's why" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 11/06/2025
"Could Royals, Chiefs seek stadium funds through Port KC?" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
The Kansas City Chiefs must choose between renovating Arrowhead Stadium or building anew for thrice the cost. I got Clark Hunt's thoughts on that decision last month, during an interview for one of my outlet's programs, ahead of recent stadium financing news. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 10/06/2025
“What's next for One North: North Kansas City gives roadmap after lawsuit settles” (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 06/06/2025
"KC Current built one stadium near riverfront. Now, it plans a second" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
Platte County in 2020 got confirmation it wouldn't have to cover debt shortfalls tied to Zona Rosa's garages. But the mall's owner and bond trustee kept sparring over backstop obligations for years afterward. A settlement now may extend repayment 30 years. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 05/06/2025
"Missouri Senate passes $1.5B Chiefs, Royals stadium plan in late-night vote" This was at 2:27 a.m. after hours of Senate discourse ranging from property tax relief to favorite Lion King song; the stadium plan itself got minimal focus. Early bedtime tonight! (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
"KC Current wants to build, maintain riverfront Levee Park at no taxpayer cost" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 03/06/2025
KC's historic Federal Reserve building has been in various headlines and social posts as of late. The owner of the vacant 21-story structure filed for Ch. 11 bankruptcy last week. The filing came less than 3 hours before a scheduled foreclosure sale. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
"Molzer's next conversion project will remake 'an absolute tank' in East Crossroads" (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 02/06/2025
The Federal Highway Administration has given the green light — in the form of a "finding of no significant impact" — to the Roy Blunt Luminary Park, née the South Loop Park, after 20 months of environmental review. What's next before construction can start? (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 28/05/2025
BREAKING: "Royals affiliate bought mortgage loan backed by Overland Park campus — to its owner's surprise" www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 21/05/2025
Parking mandates, more than FAA height caps, have stalled apartment projects in the River Market. The city could give one high-rise developer a less costly way to replace 160 public spaces, but leaving another proposal "paused indefinitely" across the street. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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Thomas Friestad @thomasfriestad.bsky.social · 20/05/2025
I had a good conversation with new City Manager Mario Vasquez last week - on how institutional knowledge from his 28-year career will inform how he approaches future city projects; addressing public safety; and why he's not the biggest fan of groundbreakings. (www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/n...)
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