Lockton’s new headquarters will be the tallest building in Leawood. See the plan
The Leawood Planning Commission unanimously approved development plans for Lockton’s new 12-story headquarters — the centerpiece of a new multiphased development brewing in the Johnson County city.
“It’s a very impressive transition from what we saw initially to what is finalized from a preliminary standpoint,” Commissioner Steve McGurren said during Monday’s meeting. “I think the quality, beauty of it, all of the commitment to what was already approved in the sense of the overall layout is all impressive, so thank you.”
The major Kansas City employer made the decision to hop the state line in December after the Leawood City Council approved a $760 million development project from Kansas City Developer VanTrust Real Estate. However, the project’s incentives were hooked on Lockton or a Lockton affiliate anchoring the development. The move pulls the insurance broker away from its space on the Plaza, where it’s been since 2000.
Once complete, the 34-acre site north of College Boulevard and west of State Line Road will eventually be home to restaurants, a luxury hotel, retail space, child care facilities, connector trails to City Park, multifamily housing and additional office space.
During Monday’s meeting, VanTrust Vice President of Development David Rezac showed renderings of the new office building — a 450,000 square foot building that will feature three amenity decks, 6 stories of parking, an outdoor plaza space, and a retreat center with an amphitheater.
Once it’s built, the office building will be the tallest building in Leawood, at 176 feet. Monday’s approvals will allow Lockton to build above the city’s 90-foot maximum height requirements.
VanTrust’s design will use locally sourced limestone and bronze, “inspired by the colors of the Kansas Prairie,” Rezac told commissioners. The glass and warm metal accents will make it appear as though the building’s colors change throughout the day.
“This headquarters is more than a new address. It’s a future-focused destination designed to elevate how we serve clients and how we support our people,” CEO Ron Lockton said in a statement. “The design supports our growth, strengthens our culture, and gives us the environment to innovate and attract top talent for years to come.”
Lockton serves 65,000 clients in 153 offices across 43 countries, according to the release. The firm employs 1,500 local associates in Kansas City and more than 13,000 worldwide.
Pending approval from the City Council, Lockton anticipates that the project will break ground this summer and relocate to the new building in early 2030.