Patmos, the Kansas City-based hosting firm known for its commitment to free speech, has unveiled plans to transform the former Kansas City Star printing press into a cutting-edge data center. The 400,000-square-foot facility at 1601 McGee Street will become a high-density, 100MW colocation center, with the first 5MW going online next month.
This billion-dollar investment reflects Patmos’ ambitious expansion into the data center landscape. The company will integrate liquid cooling and immersion technologies to support up to 100kW per rack, meeting the demanding needs of AI workloads.
“Our mission is to create the technological heart of the heartland by reimagining this iconic space,” said John Johnson, CEO and founder of Patmos. “This AI facility blends cutting-edge technology with cost efficiency, while honoring our principles of fostering freedom of expression in the digital space.”
The Kansas City Star printing press, once slated for conversion into a baseball stadium, now stands at the forefront of technological innovation. Joe Morgan, CIO of Patmos, explained that the existing infrastructure significantly reduces costs and construction time compared to building from scratch.
“We’re creating a hub of technological advancement by breathing new life into this historic structure,” Morgan stated.
Patmos has built its reputation on defending ideological diversity and providing “uncancellable hosting solutions.” Johnson emphasized the company’s dedication to digital freedom, saying, “We welcome diverse opinions, even those we don’t share, as long as they abide by the law and ethical standards.”
The data center will join Patmos’ growing network, including sites in Kansas City, Dallas, and Phoenix. With this transformative project, Patmos expands its capacity while reinforcing its mission to safeguard digital expression in an ever-changing online landscape.
