Kansas City, Mo. – April 22, 2026: Jim Bowers recently helped his client, Kansas City University (KCU), win a City Council vote that will allow KCU to proceed with construction of a $40 million research facility.
Last fall, KCU decided to demolish Smith Hall to make room for the new facility after studying whether the building could be repurposed. Smith Hall was built in 1916 as a nurse’s dormitory and its low ceilings and narrow hallways made reuse impractical. The Pendleton Heights Neighborhood Association (PHNA), however, filed an application and nomination to prevent demolition by placing Smith Hall on the local register of historic places.
While the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) unanimously recommended approval of Smith Hall as a historic place, Jim presented KCU’s case to the City Plan Commission (CPC), which recommended to the Kansas City Council that PHNA’s application be denied. This month, the City Council voted 11-2 against the historic designation, which allows KCU to proceed with demolition and construction of its planned research facility.
About Jim Bowers: Jim is a leader in land use and real estate development throughout the greater Kansas City area. The focus of Jim’s practice is public law, including development, redevelopment, zoning, variances, tax increment financing, and condemnation. As a former Assistant City Attorney for the City of Kansas City, Jim has a thorough knowledge of building codes and building permit requirements. He has been an adviser for many economic development projects and forums.
About the firm’s Public Law Practice Group: For decades, the firm’s Public Law attorneys have represented clients and local governments in many high-profile and successful commercial, residential and mixed-use projects. The firm’s attorneys assist clients in obtaining approval of land use entitlements, changes in zoning and economic development incentives. Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes attorneys offer insight on local governments approvals based on prior public service experience of several attorneys and through experience working closely with staff and officials to develop collaborative solutions over many years. Click to view a project map of work the firm has completed.
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