Developer to Build Office Condos in Northland, Mo.

Oct. 3, 2006
Seven-building, 135,500-square-foot project estimated to cost $25 million

Sep. 26--Construction is expected to begin this winter on a $25 million office condominium project in the Northland that would offer space for sale as small as 1,750 square feet.

Developer Rick Watkins of Watkins & Co. thinks his Ambassador Office Park Condos will appeal to professionals who prefer to own rather than rent their office space.

The project calls for a total of 135,500 square feet in seven buildings and is planned near Northwest 106th Street and Northwest Ambassador Drive along the Interstate 29 corridor.

Watkins thinks the Northland, which has lagged behind the rest of the area in office occupancy, is ready for this type of product.

"We think it's finally starting to mature with Zona Rosa, Boardwalk and some of the other retail," he said. "You'll see more and more development there."

The buildings are being designed in the Prairie style by architect Guy Gronberg. They range in size from 16,000 to 20,700 square feet and will be well-insulated and environmentally friendly. The development site covers 13.8 acres.

Space will sell for $185 per square foot before construction and $215 per square foot afterward.

The first phase includes three buildings totaling 57,000 square feet and is scheduled for occupancy next summer. Construction of phase two is expected to begin next year as well.