The historic Midland office building has been reborn as Midland Lofts, a notable revitalization of downtown Kansas City, Missouri.
Developed by The Cordish Cos. in collaboration with preservation experts, the 135-unit Midland Lofts multifamily development at 1221 Baltimore Ave. sets an example for adaptive reuse. The project has breathed new life into a 1927 landmark that once housed the headquarters of the NCAA and AMC Theatres.
Original art deco elements, including the grand marble lobby, the iconic revolving door and even the original 1927 mailbox have been restored. The integration of modern amenities, however, ensures that residents enjoy the comforts of contemporary living, bridging the past and present.
Midland Lofts offers a diverse range of apartment sizes. Each apartment is designed with premium features, including oversized windows, ample storage and high-end appliances. The development’s 12 floors are designed to foster community, with amenities such as an entertaining kitchen, coffee bar, club lounge, coworking spaces and a unique 12th-floor meditation lounge featuring a living moss wall.
Situated in the heart of the Power & Light District, the project gives residents easy access to Kansas City’s public transportation network, including the KC Streetcar and multiple RideKC bus stops.
The completion of Midland Lofts was not without its challenges. The century-old building required extensive asbestos abatement and complex utility integrations.
The deal earned a 2025 CoStar Impact Award for multifamily development of the year in Kansas City as judged by real estate professionals familiar with the market.
About the project: The renovation incorporates energy-efficient technologies, with LED lighting and smart building systems that minimize energy consumption. By repurposing an existing structure, the project significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with new construction.
Technological components include keyless entry systems, Luxer One package lockers and controlled-access technologies. The building's digital infrastructure supports remote working with dedicated coworking spaces, a business center and a conference room, all providing high-speed internet connectivity.
What the judges said: “This project introduced 'new' affordable housing to the downtown central business district and blends in well with the upscale development by the developer of One, Two & Three Light. The fact that they were able to convert this historic property from Class D Office to a practical and needy use in downtown is a significant accomplishment. Especially since the property has been vacant for its original use for nearly 20 years," said Greg Swetnam, principal, director of office brokerage at Kessinger Hunter & Co. "The developer took a building of historic nature and turned it into a needed use without having to completely recreate a shell. It keeps the skyline in its current form and provides a void in the downtown central business district that seems to be needed.”
They made it happen: Blake Cordish, principal of developer The Cordish Cos., and Matt Murphy, principal of Helix Architecture + Design.