What's Next in Real Estate Speaker Series

Wednesday, May 6 | 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. ET

Join us for the final session of our What’s Next in Real Estate Speaker Series, featuring an inside look at the Kansas City Power & Light District — a $850 million, nine-block mixed-use development in downtown Kansas City, developed by The Cordish Companies and HOK.
 
Led by Zed Smith, Chief Operating Officer at The Cordish Companies, this session will explore the strategy, partnerships, and execution behind one of the most successful urban entertainment districts in the country.
 
What You'll Learn
  • How large-scale mixed-use developments are planned and financed
  • The role of public-private partnerships in urban revitalization
  • Design strategies that create vibrant, pedestrian-friendly districts
  • Key factors that drive long-term success in real estate development
 
About the Case Study
The Kansas City Power & Light District spans nine city blocks in the heart of downtown Kansas City and integrates residential, retail, office, and entertainment spaces into a cohesive urban environment.

Designed with pedestrian-friendly streets, open storefronts, public gathering spaces, and a central piazza, the district fosters constant activity and a strong sense of place. Its mix of historic character and modern development has attracted millions of visitors annually and played a major role in the city’s broader urban revitalization.
 
About the Speaker
Zed Smith | Chief Operating Officer, The Cordish Companies
 
Zed Smith oversees a portfolio of high-profile mixed-use, entertainment, and sports-anchored developments across the country. His work focuses on projects that drive economic growth and cultural impact in urban communities.
 
Prior to joining The Cordish Companies, he founded Urban Asset Management, a Baltimore-based real estate development firm, and began his career with The Rouse Company. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from Morgan State University and serves on several nonprofit boards focused on youth development and community impact.