Building Kansas City, Brick by Brick:
Celebrating Our 2026 Award Recipients

Every year, the Kansas City Industrial Council gathers to recognize the projects, organizations and leaders who are quietly — and not so quietly — reshaping Kansas City's industrial landscape. This year's Brick-by-Brick Awards, held on May 6, brought together some of the region's most impactful voices under one roof to celebrate 21 exceptional honorees. It was, by any measure, a record-breaking year!

The quality of nominations this year was so strong that KCIC made the decision to recognize every project submitted. Recipients were honored across five categories.

Central City Economic Development (CCED)

These projects are anchored in the Central City Economic Development Sales Tax District, directing investment where it can most strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to critical services.

  • MOCSA – Metropolitan Organization Countering Sexual Assault relocated and expanded to a 39,000-square-foot crisis center that serves thousands of survivors across the region.

  • AdHoc Center for Healing and Justice developed a workforce training center designed to expand mental health services and support individuals impacted by violence.

  • Zhou B Arts Center is in the process of renovating a 75,000-square-foot facility that provides artist studios, exhibition space, and community programming.

  • KD Academy is now offering 24-hour childcare and educational services for up to 400 children — addressing one of the region's most persistent workforce barriers.

Major Infrastructure

These are the projects that will define Kansas City's physical landscape for decades to come.

  • The Kansas City Levees Flood Risk Management Project improved 17 miles of levees to protect more than 27,000 residents and nearly $10 billion in infrastructure from flood risk.

  • The Kansas City Streetcar Main Street Extension — a $352 million investment — added 3.5 miles of service and connects key districts across the city, expanding mobility for residents and visitors alike.

  • Port KC's Governor Parson Port Terminal Dock replaced aging infrastructure with 350 feet of new dock, strengthening barge operations and long-term economic sustainability along the Missouri River.

  • The Rock Island Bridge project transformed a 120-year-old railroad bridge into a dynamic, multi-use destination bridging community and commerce.

Community & Institutional

Some of the most important investments in a city are the ones that tend to its people.

  • Behavioral Health Allies recently completed a $5.1 million expansion that will create 102 jobs and significantly increase access to mental and behavioral health services.

  • Sheffield Place – The Aspen Building expanded their housing and wraparound supportive services for mothers and their children navigating recovery and stability.

  • Mary Guerra of KC Water was recognized for leading community outreach efforts that have reached more than 16,000 participants — connecting residents with the information and resources they need.

Business Growth & Investment

Kansas City's industrial economy continues to attract and retain businesses that are putting real dollars into the ground.

  • Forge Construction completed a $3.5 million expansion that added 20 new jobs.

  • Fireboard Labs invested over $1.1 million to grow its production capacity right here in Kansas City.

  • Global Earthworks & Underground backed its growing operations with a $700,000 expansion.

  • AlphaGraphics invested $1.4 million and created 16 new jobs as it expands its footprint.

  • Buttonwood Financial Group scaled its operations to meet continued business growth.

Sustainability

Long-term resilience requires investment today in the systems that protect tomorrow.

  • Sisters in Christ Serenity House renovated a recovery home to provide safe, supportive housing for women in recovery — a project that recognizes stable housing as foundational to lasting health.

  • The Smart Sewer Project – 40th & Monroe separated stormwater and wastewater systems to improve water quality and reduce overflow events.

  • The Smart Sewer Project – Birmingham Area 2 rehabilitated over 60,000 feet of sewer infrastructure to boost system performance.

  • The Smart Sewer Project – Birmingham Area 3 upgraded more than 14,000 feet of sewer mains to reduce overflows and improve long-term reliability.

  • The Smart Sewer Project – Northern Basins Project 1 improved nearly 29,000 feet of sewer infrastructure to increase capacity and protect local waterways.

The Frosty Award

Each year, KCIC presents a special recognition — the Frosty Award — to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, partnership and commitment to advancing Kansas City's industrial community.

This year's recipient was Michele Freed, Senior Vice President of Verimore Bank and Past KCIC Board President. Her dedication to the mission of this organization and her tireless advocacy for Kansas City's growth make her an especially deserving honoree.

Looking Ahead

Twenty-one projects. Hundreds of millions of dollars in investment. Thousands of lives touched. That is what the 2026 Brick-by-Brick Awards represent — not just a night of recognition, but a snapshot of a city actively building its future.