WICHITA, Kan. – Cargill has selected a site in Wichita, Kansas where it plans to build its new protein business headquarters. Currently the building is home to the Wichita Eagle newspaper’s offices and formerly the paper’s printing plant. Cargill plans to redevelop the 825 East Douglas Avenue building into an office complex to accommodate approximately 800 people. Cargill has signed a letter of intent with a local investment group led by Dave Burk, Dave Wells and Brandon Steven to acquire and develop the site. Terms were not disclosed.
The protein business’ headquarters has been located in Wichita for 30 years. The company considered moving out of state, including Texas and Colorado before deciding to stay in Kansas. According to Brian Sikes, Cargill corporate vice president for the North America protein group, the task of choosing a new location was taken very seriously, and the company chose to remain in Kansas because it provided the best opportunity to thrive and grow.
“The 825 East Douglas site is perfectly situated for the creation of a new Cargill Protein Group headquarters, providing us with a long-term solution that meets our needs, as well as the needs of our Wichita team,” Sikes said. “Locating in the Old Town portion of downtown Wichita places us in close proximity to many restaurant, entertainment, hotel and shopping options, with convenient access to key roads and highways. Creating a dynamic, aesthetic, and collaborative work environment of the future is an important element for growing our business and attracting and retaining talent as we transform to meet the evolving needs of our customers and consumers.”
Cargill plans to take occupancy in the new site by the end of 2018. Design details, a redevelopment timeline and additional details will be forthcoming.
