One Light's Opening as the First New Construction, High-Rise Apartment Tower in 50 Years Set the Stage for a Decade of Downtown's Renaissance

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cordish Companies and the Power & Light District today joined the City of Kansas City and community leaders to celebrate the 10th anniversary of One Light Luxury Apartments. As part of the anniversary celebration, Cordish proudly unveiled a $3 million reinvestment and renovation, welcoming refreshed and modernized areas and amenity spaces for residents to enjoy across several key areas. Photos of the renovated spaces can be downloaded here.

Today's milestone reflects the long-term success of One Light, the continued momentum of the Power & Light District – now home to 2,000 residents across four buildings, more than 50 businesses and a national reputation for sports and entertainment – and downtown Kansas City. Since One Light's opening in 2015, the number of residential units downtown has grown from 14,597 to 22,144, increasing the number of residents downtown from 23,483 to over 33,000.

"It was clear from the start that a vibrant residential component would be key to realizing our long-term vision for the Power & Light District," said John Moncke, President of the Kansas City Power & Light District. "We designed and developed One Light with the goal that it would be on par with the best apartment buildings in the country, whether in New York, Chicago, or San Francisco. We believe that it is what Kansas City deserved, and we are proud to say that is what we have delivered. Today's milestone and $3 million reinvestment continues that momentum and ensures that One Light and the District remain best-in-class, attracting new residents downtown for years to come."

One Light introduced a new era of downtown living to Kansas City for the first time in five decades, offering an upscale amenity-rich, resort-style experience with direct access to Cosentino's Downtown Market and Genesis Health Clubs, and steps from the T-Mobile Center, Kansas City Live!, the KC Streetcar line, dozens of restaurants, shops and entertainment venues, cultural destinations like the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts and forthcoming Roy Blunt Luminary Park. Based on the success of the building, which has remained 98% leased, Cordish has opened three additional residential buildings in the District – Two Light, Three Light and Midland Lofts – with over 60% of its residents relocating from out of state including New York, Texas, California, and Colorado.

"For more than a decade, Cordish has shown what's possible when the public and private sectors work hand in hand to build something remarkable," said Mario Vasquez, City Manager, City of Kansas City. "One Light represents not just excellence in design and development, but a continued commitment to creating vibrant communities in the heart of our city. The City of Kansas City is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside a partner that continues to invest in our downtown, enrich our neighborhoods, and help make Kansas City a place where people want to live, work, and gather."

Rising twenty-five stories, the 307-unit building offers a suite of resort-style amenities that rival the finest luxury apartment buildings in the country including a 20,000 sq. ft. resort-style rooftop pool deck and patio with full-service resident bar – the largest outdoor pool deck in the city. One Light residents also receive a complimentary membership to Genesis Health Club, directly connected to the building, with classes, towel service and dry sauna included.

The $3 million reinvestment and renovation includes:

• Lobby & Ground Floor: Newly renovated lobby featuring updated lighting, contemporary artwork, and enhanced seating areas designed for comfort and style, as well as an expanded Luxer One package system to include refrigerated lockers, providing residents with secure, temperature-controlled storage.
  
  
• 3rd Floor Amenity Spaces: Fully renovated theater and social room with a high-definition LED screen and billiards table, enhanced conference facilities, and an expanded package room to better serve resident needs. Common areas have also been updated with refreshed corridor finishes and modernized elevator vestibules, elevating the overall resident experience.
  
  
• 4th Floor Amenity Spaces: Among the most significant enhancements are the refreshed demonstration kitchen and the addition of new coworking booths and flexible workspaces in the club room – designed to meet the evolving needs of today's residents. The lounge area has been updated with a new fireplace to provide a warm, contemporary gathering space, while new flooring and finishes throughout elevate the building's aesthetic. The leasing office has also been redesigned with modern finishes to create a more welcoming and functional experience for prospective residents.
  
  
• Residential Floors: Residential corridors throughout the building have undergone a complete refresh, featuring new carpet, updated lighting, fresh paint, and upgraded elevator vestibules creating a brighter, more refined atmosphere that enhances the everyday resident experience.

"Each of our residential towers has played a unique role in shaping the Power & Light District, but One Light will always be the building that set everything in motion," said Emelyna Aurich, Director of Property Management for Cordish Living. "Our goal in developing One Light was to offer our residents all the luxury amenities of a resort lifestyle without having to sacrifice the convenience, energy and excitement of a vibrant downtown. This reinvestment reflects our continued belief in the property and in downtown Kansas City. As we look ahead, we remain committed to delivering a first-class residential experience in the Power & Light District while honoring the original concept that made it all possible."

Since the opening of the 12-city block Power & Light District in 2008, downtown Kansas City has garnered national attention for its urban renaissance. The transformation has included more than $10 billion in public and private investment over the last 17 years, including 15,795 new residential units and 6,000 new or renovated hotel rooms, as well as the KC Streetcar line. The Power & Light District, developed by The Cordish Companies, is the most visited destination in the state of Missouri welcoming over 18 million visitors per year.

"This year marks the 10-year anniversary of One Light, downtown's inaugural residential high-rise apartment building," said Bill Dietrich, President & CEO of Downtown KC. "This milestone symbolizes the evolution of our downtown from a traditional commercial office core to a vibrant, welcoming, and sustainable neighborhood. The opening of One Light signaled confidence in downtown's potential to attract further investment, appealing to both young professionals and empty nesters seeking walkable, amenity-rich living."

The Power & Light District is continuing its impressive trajectory, drawing millions of visitors, welcoming hundreds of new residents with the opening of Midland Lofts last year, and consistently introducing exciting new experiences. This milestone adds to the Power & Light District's exciting momentum, which includes the recent openings of Palm Tree Club, Besos y Abrazos, The Yard Milkshake Bar, and Tropical Smoothie Café; a $2.5 million renovation of Mosaic; and recently announced luxury wellness studio, SweatHouz.

For leasing information, visit www.onelightkc.com or follow @OneLightKC. For tours and availability, contact info@onelightkc.com or call 816-472-0001.

About The Cordish Companies 
The Cordish Companies' origins date back to 1910 and encompass four generations of privately held, family ownership. During the past ten decades, The Cordish Companies has grown into a global leader in Gaming & Entertainment; Commercial Real Estate; Entertainment Districts; Sports-Anchored Developments; Hotels; Residential Properties; Restaurants; and Coworking Spaces. One of the largest and most respected developers in the world, The Cordish Companies has been awarded an unprecedented seven Urban Land Institute Awards for Excellence for public-private developments that are of unique significance to the cities in which they are located. The Cordish Companies has developed and operates highly acclaimed dining, entertainment and hospitality destinations throughout the United States, many falling under The Cordish Companies' Live! Brand, highly regarded as one of the premier entertainment brands in the country. Welcoming over 60 million visitors per year, these developments are among the highest profile dining, entertainment, gaming, hotel and sports-anchored destinations in the country. Over the generations, The Cordish Companies has remained true to the family's core values of quality, entrepreneurial spirit, long-term personal relationships and integrity. As a testimony to the long-term vision of its family leadership, The Cordish Companies still owns and manages virtually every business it has created. For more information, visit www.cordish.com or follow us on X (@cordishco).

"The Cordish Companies," "The Cordish Company" and "Cordish" are trademarks used under license by independent corporations, legal liability companies and partnerships ("Cordish Entities"). Each Cordish Entity is a separate, single-purpose legal entity that is solely responsible for its obligations and liabilities. No common operations or financial interdependency, and no intermingling of assets or liabilities of the Cordish Entities exists, or should be deemed to exist, as a result of the potential common reference to multiple independent entities operating under the names "Cordish," "The Cordish Companies" or "The Cordish Company" here or elsewhere. 

About The Kansas City Power & Light District
The Kansas City Power & Light District is a vibrant multi-city-block neighborhood in the heart of downtown Kansas City that is redefining the city from its skyline to its sidewalks. The District links together the renovated Bartle Hall Convention Center, the T-Mobile Center, offices, hotels, entertainment, cultural destinations and residential developments. The combination of entertainment, shopping, nightlife and residential with the District's imaginative and innovative design has created an intriguing 24/7 neighborhood. For more information, visit www.powerandlightdistrict.com or www.facebook.com/KCPowerLightDistrict.

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SOURCE The Cordish Companies