Molzer Development Newsletter #9

Welcome to the first Molzer Development Newsletter for 2025! We have a lot to catch up on and are extremely excited about what is in store for this year.

January Updates: Breaking Ground, Building Dreams, and Expanding Horizons

It’s the start of a new year, and while many people are easing into 2025, we’re hitting the ground running here at Molzer Development. The past few months have been a whirlwind of planning, collaboration, and progress, and I’m excited to share some updates on the incredible projects and milestones we have in the works. From the long-anticipated revival of the historic Aladdin Hotel we are converting to apartments, to scaling my team and brand, this year is already shaping up to be one for the books.

Before we dive in, a meme as promised!

While everything is continuing to move ahead, let it be known that there are often some crappy days!

The Aladdin Hotel: From Vision to Reality

When I first decided to take on the Aladdin Hotel, I knew it was going to be a monumental challenge. It’s not every day you find yourself standing in a 106,000-square-foot building with copper pipes, decades of history, and a chance to redefine what’s possible for historic redevelopment in Kansas City. Now, as we officially kick off interior demolition, the excitement is palpable.

Demolition crews have started the process of gutting the non-historic space, preparing it for its next chapter. This isn’t just about tearing things down; it’s about preserving the soul of the building while setting the stage for modern functionality. Walking through the space now, you can see the outlines of what it will become—122 apartment units, a luxury craft cocktail bar on the 16th floor, and spaces that will contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Kansas City. It is mind-numbing to look back less than 8 months ago at a floor that still had HVAC, electricity, beds, mattresses, bathrooms & the questionable green chairs.

We are also super excited to officially kick off the project with our “wall-breaking” celebration on the 22nd. Members of the development team, investors, friends, family, city officials, and others will join us as we officially kick off this redevelopment.

But redevelopment isn’t just hammers and blueprints; it’s financial strategy, too. Later this month, or early February, we’ll be closing on the financial package that will officially launch us into the construction phase. This step is the culmination of months of diligence, teamwork, and negotiation. It’s a milestone that represents not just progress but the collective belief in this project’s potential.

A Bar With a Story

Speaking of the Aladdin, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the bar that will call its 16th-floor home. Once completed, the 1,200 sqft space on the top of The Aladdin won’t be just another bar; it’ll be an experience. Perched atop the Aladdin, it will offer stunning views of the Kansas City skyline and a concept that blends history, creativity, and hospitality. While I am reluctant to share renderings or even the name, the bar will embody energy, culture, and a celebration of life—everything we want this space to represent.

We’ve been working closely with our bar operator to bring this vision to life, from crafting the menu to designing an atmosphere that feels both intimate and iconic. With its connection to the radio station that originally resided in this space in the late 1920s, this will be more than just a rooftop bar; it will be a space where stories are told and memories are made.

The Duplex Project: Scaling Residential Development

While The Aladdin has been the headline act, I’ve also been focusing on other projects that align with my passion for creating spaces where people thrive. One of those is my duplex project. This smaller-scale development might not have the same grandeur as the Aladdin, but it’s equally important in its mission.

The duplex project is all about addressing the need for high-quality, approachable housing. We’re not just building units; we’re creating homes. This project has given me a chance to dive deeper into residential design, zoning, and construction—skills that are invaluable as I scale my portfolio. As we finalize bids, if you are interested in learning more about this upcoming opportunity please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are currently targeting moving dirt in late spring; a timeline that is quickly approaching!

Expanding the Team: Growing Molzer Development

As the projects grow, so does the need for a strong team. Over the past few months, I’ve been focused on finding the right people to join Molzer Development. Building a team isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about finding individuals who share the vision, the work ethic, and the excitement for what we’re creating.

This year, I am taking my time but excited to bring on team members who will be instrumental in driving our projects forward. From project managers to marketing specialists, each person will add a unique strength to our collective mission. Expanding the team also means expanding our capacity to take on new challenges, explore new markets, and execute at a higher level. More to come on this soon!

Building the Brand: More Than Real Estate

Beyond the bricks and mortar, this year is about solidifying the Molzer Development brand. For me, this isn’t just a logo or a tagline; it’s about sharing the story of who we are and what we stand for. Whether it’s through my newsletter, social media, or in-person events, I want people to understand the “why” behind everything we do and build in public.

A big part of this effort has been connecting with the community. Whether it’s collaborating with local businesses, attending industry events, or simply having conversations about Kansas City’s future, I want Molzer Development to be synonymous with innovation, quality, and impact. As the Aladdin and other projects gear up, you’ll be able to watch the entire construction process from start to finish on either of the following links:

https://x.com/KCmolzer 

https://www.instagram.com/molzerdevelopment/

Looking Ahead

As we move into 2025, the path forward is clear: continue building, continue learning, and continue pushing boundaries. The Aladdin is just one piece of a much larger puzzle. With every project, every team member, and every opportunity, we’re laying the foundation for something bigger than ourselves.

Thank you to everyone who’s been part of this journey so far. Whether you’re an investor, a collaborator, or simply someone cheering us on from afar, your support means everything. This year, we’re not just dreaming; we’re doing—and I can’t wait to share the results with you.

Here’s to a year of growth, grit, and great things ahead.

Godspeed,

Zach Molzer