Marine Corps signs 15-year lease at south Kansas City site

The U.S. Marine Corps has signed a 15-year lease and expanded its operations next to the Bannister Federal Complex in south Kansas City.

More than 530 software developers and information technology employees work at the site at 2306 E. Bannister Road. The Marines had about 450 working in the building when it decided in July 2013 to stay in Kansas City.

Part of the lease agreement includes expansion of the Marines’ technology center to 405,000 square feet, up from 277,000 square feet.

The General Services Administration has requested $39.7 million in its 2015 budget to handle building repairs, including an energy efficient roof and an upgrade to the fire prevention systems. The funds also will cover renovations and help to bring other agencies to the site.

“This success is a result of GSA’s hardworking employees, who were persistent in ensuring we met the needs of the United States Marine Corps,” the agency’s regional administrator, Jason Klumb, said in a statement. “In addition, there was a tremendous amount of support from elected officials at all levels.”

Kansas City competed with New Orleans for the Marines center. Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri had lobbied the Marines to stay in Kansas City. Mayor Sly James also worked on the effort to keep the Marines.

The Marine Corps has acknowledged that keeping the center in Kansas City saved $100 million in moving costs. A move also would have been disruptive to the staff and the center’s operations.

GSA and the Marines agreed on a 30-year commitment last year and will negotiate new terms at the end of the newly struck 15-year lease.

This story was originally published October 7, 2014 at 10:15 AM.