Listen: Experts analyze KC’s evolving coworking and real estate market

March 22, 2017  |  Meghan LeVota

What happens when the real estate market responds to a city’s surging entrepreneurial community?

That was the subject of Startland News and Think Big’s March Innovation Exchange, which focused on Kansas City’s coworking boom and its intersection with area entrepreneurship. More than 300,000 square feet of coworking space will become available in the area over the next two years as Plexpod Westport Commons, WeWork and other firms open spaces.  

From its cultural impact on the Kansas City business community to the factors driving demand and design — there was a lot to cover in KC’s coworking. If you weren’t able to make it to the event, we’ve clipped together the important parts you missed. In the conversation we hear what the surge means for area experts, including:

  • David Brain, Brown Cow Capital
  • Bob Berkebile, Principal Emeritus of BNIM
  • Adam Wacenske, general manager of WeWork’s southern region
  • Matt Druten, co-founder of Edison Spaces
  • Sarah Fustine, director of strategic partnerships at Think Big
  • Katy Sullivan, Project Lead at Contract Furnishings

Hope you enjoy!

Tagged , ,
Featured Business
    Featured Founder
      [adinserter block="4"]

      2017 Startups to Watch

        stats here

        Related Posts on Startland News

        Court clutter on trial: Olathe legal tech startup puts boxes of evidence one touch away

        By Tommy Felts | August 29, 2025

        A Kansas-built innovation is reshaping courtroom outcomes with its one-touch trial prep platform that already has helped attorneys secure billions in verdicts with ease, said Jay Rutler. “I have a reputation for solving complicated problems,” added Rutler, founder and CEO of Litigen, and founder of ICON, a casino chip manufacturer. “A friend of mine, a…

        Why a City Market favorite is jumping the state line — to the food court at Oak Park Mall

        By Tommy Felts | August 29, 2025

        Its Brazilian dishes — using recipes the owners grew up eating in São Paulo — have been a City Market draw for more than a decade. Now Taste of Brazil restaurant is expanding to Johnson County, but as a quick-serve kiosk with a limited menu. Taste of Brazil Express plans a late September opening in…

        Spiced side hustle gives this Kansas culinary teacher a kick (and a growing market)

        By Tommy Felts | August 28, 2025

        Richard Wilks is bringing heat to Kansas’ food scene. A chef and community-builder at heart, Wilks created Burro, a line of chili and garlic crunch oils, sauces, and seasonings designed to fuel real connection around the table.  His growing lineup can be spotted at the Overland Park Farmers Market, where loyal customers keep coming back…

        Animal health innovators: Building on a new frontier means do-overs, even when you got it right first

        By Tommy Felts | August 28, 2025

        Kansas City-based ELIAS Animal Health earned full USDA approval for its bone cancer therapy for dogs earlier this year, but the road to commercialization has been long and anything but straight, Tammie Wahaus shared. The veteran CEO shared her story of pivots — including switching from human health to animal health and adapting to ever-changing…