University of Kansas Gateway District
Hotel, Mixed Use, New Construction, Student Housing
Gateway District will transform the north entrance to campus in a profound way to drive student enrollment and economic benefit to Kansas. The project will develop a new campus gateway, multi-use space, and upgraded football facilities, all of which will enhance KU’s ability to recruit and retain students.
The most innovative component of this project is the development of multi-use facilities to be used throughout the year to generate revenue for academic programming and student success. In addition to the conference center, and as suggested by the project consultant, the project will include a mix of arts and entertainment, dining, retail, office space, lodging, student housing, parking, and other uses that support economic development and the university’s academic mission.
The transformational changes to the Anderson Family Football Complex and David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium – one of the nation’s oldest football venues – has already created a world-class experience for fans and student-athletes. Currently, the University of Kansas generates $192 million and 2,600 jobs for the Kansas economy, and the Gateway District will greatly enhance those figures in the future.
This portion of development consists of two residential structures comprising a combined 199 units and 482 beds. The south building will be constructed above a two-level podium parking garage with more than 650 parking spaces, designed to serve the project’s retail uses, the adjacent hotel, and more than 76% of the student beds.
The overall program for the housing includes approximately 190,000 square feet of rentable residential space, approximately 14,895 square feet of retail/restaurant, and roughly 11,000 square feet of amenity space. Total area for the housing will be 266,304 GSF. Amenities will include fitness and yoga facilities, game rooms, Infrared sauna, lounges, and collaborative spaces intended to support an active student environment and enhance long-term competitiveness.
Will feature a premier 96,000-square-foot Marriott Tribute Portfolio hotel boasting 150 keys. In addition to world-class hospitality, the development includes 16 luxury condos totaling 22,400 square feet, offering an exclusive residential experience.
The hotel will also add to the district a vibrant social hub with dedicated club and restaurant space, complemented by a flagship KU store.
365 day a year entertainment destination with 4 primary objectives:
The development sits at the center of KU’s expanding athletic and entertainment district, providing a unique opportunity to capture year-round demand. All public financing tools for the project have been approved, representing approximately $94.6 million of total incentive support, including roughly $67 million in STAR Bonds, $22 million in TIF-backed bonds, and approximately $5 million through a CID. The ability to monetize these bonds upfront fully funds the podium parking structure and sitework, materially reducing project risk.
Podium garage construction is scheduled to begin shortly, with vertical residential construction targeted for a mid-August start following financial closing in May. Full project delivery is anticipated in June 2028, in advance of the subsequent academic year.