By Tony Madden
Kansas City investment firm Platform Ventures is no longer negotiating the sale of its warehouse to the federal government for an immigration detention center, according to a Feb. 12 press release from the company.
“While typically we do not comment on potential transactions, baseless speculation, inaccurate narratives, and serious threats toward our leadership, our employees and our families have prompted us to issue this statement,” the release said.
The release goes on to say a third-party enterprise approached the company for the transaction, prompting Platform Ventures to enter preliminary discussions. As those negotiations concluded, the company learned the purchasing party was the federal government, it says.
Sixth District City Councilman Johnathan Duncan, who represents the area, expressed gratitude and relief on the decision. “This was a true community effort,” he said in a statement. “I am grateful to live in a city where the people show up for their neighbors. This is a great day for Kansas City and anyone who believes that we are stronger together than as individuals. The people stood up for immigrants, against federal overreach, and showed the people have a say in what type of businesses and what kind of business owners are welcome here.”
Completed in 2023, the warehouse is a 920,400-square-foot facility located within the I-49 Industrial Center, in the area formerly known as the Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base off 150 Highway. Agents from the Department of Homeland Security toured the Platform Ventures property at 14901 Botts Rd. on Jan. 15th with the aim of holding detainees there.
“We determined that the terms no longer met our fiduciary requirements for a timely closing,” the release says. “Therefore, we chose not to move forward.”
County representative Manny Abarca, who informally greeted ICE officials on the Jan. 15th tour, remains pessimistic. ““The statement that was issued isn’t even a statement,” he said in his own statement to the press. “It’s to save face and that is the kind of statement I would issue if I’m trying to hide something and push the can down the road.”
The announcement comes days after the Port Authority of Kansas City voted to terminate its relationship with Platform Ventures amid news the company was involved in a sale to the government.
The release also says the company is proud to play a role in Kansas City’s momentum, and it remains focused on protecting and serving its investors’ interests.
“Our commitment to Kansas City remains unchanged,” the release said.
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