After years of trying to redevelop its downtown riverfront, Kansas City is close to landing its first private investment, a $4 million hydroponic farm expected to grow a million pounds of fresh tomatoes, lettuce and herbs annually.
BrightFarms, a firm that traces its roots to rooftop gardens in New York City, has struck a deal with the Port Authority of Kansas City to build a 100,000-square-foot greenhouse on a 5-acre tract just east of the Heart of America Bridge and next to Berkley Riverfront Park.
A formal announcement is set for Monday at City Hall, but those involved discussed the plan Friday.
“We’re trying to change how the food supply chain works around the country,” said Paul Lightfoot, CEO of BrightFarms. “We wanted to go to markets that are welcoming, and Kansas City stands out as a progressive city. … Everybody has rolled out a redevelopment red carpet.”
To read the rest of the story, please go to: The Kansas City Star
