businesses that represent the University’s foresight in cultivating an alternative revenue stream. Park began excavation of the vast geologic real estate under the Parkville Campus in the 1970s and opened the Parkville Commercial Underground in 1996. “The Parkville Commercial Underground is an ongoing, valuable funding source for the University with tremendous opportunity for growth,” said Roger Hershey, vice president and general counsel for Park University. Hershey recently reported to Park’s Board of Trustees that 96 percent of the PCU’s developed space is currently leased by 16 tenants, with more than 350,000 square feet of undeveloped space available for expansion.
Michael Hobbs, WattMaster Controls
Park’s Promise calls for the University to intensify PCU marketing efforts in partnership with its leasing and property management companies, Hakes Real Estate and Martin Properties, respectively, as well as surrounding community partners. In September, PCU secured a new tenant, Sample Express, and its 20,000 squarefoot assembly and distribution facility. Based in Richmond, Mass., Sample Express specializes in manufacturing marketing tools for building materials. After a highly competitive process, the new tenant is the result of collective efforts from the Parkville Commercial Underground, Park University, Platte County (Mo.) Economic Development Council, Parkville Economic Development Council and the Missouri Partnership.
Commercial connections PCU tenants continue to expand, including ROSnet, a growing company that provides reporting and data management services to national restaurant chains. Cofounders Gene Peters and Jim Meredith said the PCU not only provides cost-efficient space and utilities, but the underground environment is ideal for protecting its significant investment in technology.
Gene Peters and Jim Meredith, ROSnet
PCU tenants are also seeking ways to connect to Park’s mission. After hiring several Park international students for internships, Michael Hobbs, owner of WattMaster Controls, established a scholarship together with his wife, Louise, to provide financial assistance to Park’s international students. WattMaster, one of the PCU’s first commercial tenants, manufactures energy management systems for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning industry, and has expanded several times to its current 45,000 square feet. Tenants are also attracting national attention to the Parkville Commercial Underground. In August, Mobile Media Technologies Chief Information Officer Rob Sweeney welcomed a visit from Karen Mills, chief of the Small Business Administration during the SBA’s nationwide tour of manufacturing sites to highlight products made in America. The growing firm produces TextCaster, a service that enables media companies and organizations, including Park University’s Department of Athletics, to send text messages to large groups. Recently, the company launched messageQube to help individuals and organizations, such as health care providers, to connect with individuals, such as the elderly, who don’t use e-mail or texting. PCU tenants include Cost Containment Strategies LLC (eShipping Technologies), DR Solution Group Inc., Fitness Resource Group Inc., JK Wines Inc., Jowler Creek Winery Inc., Kansas City Harmony, Khensa Bangert, Mobile Media Technologies LLC, Park Hill, Mo., School District, ROS Technology Services Inc. (ROSnet), Sample Express Inc., Snacks on Racks Inc., State Historical Society of Missouri, Strong Spirits Distilling Inc. and WattMaster Controls Inc.
Rob Sweeney, Mobile Media Technologies LLC Photos by Kenny Johnson
Fall 2012 - 21