The University of Kansas, along with development partners Edgemoor/Sunflower Partners, joined the Clark–JE Dunn Construction joint venture team on June 18 to celebrate the topping out of more than 1,200 tons of steel for the east portion of the new stadium bowl, marking a major step forward in the ongoing transformation of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the surrounding campus district.
This event marked a key milestone on the project, with additional progress to come as construction advances across the broader KU Gateway District. As construction lead for the new mixed-use development, the Clark-JE Dunn Construction joint venture team continues to build strong momentum on site.
“Reaching this milestone is a true testament to the strength of our partnership and the dedication of the entire project team,” said David Young, Project Director for the Clark-JE Dunn Construction joint venture. “Setting the final structural steel beam atop the new east grandstands is a symbol of the craftsmanship, pride, and commitment of the hundreds of skilled workers bringing this vision to life.”
The KU Gateway District is a multi-phase development designed to completely reimagine the stadium footprint. This particular phase of the project, known as Phase 2, will transform the east stands and introduce a vibrant mixed-use district complete with student housing, a flagship hotel, and retail. Phase 2 is also focused heavily on elevating the gameday experience for students, fans, and the Lawrence community through the introduction of modern seating options, premium hospitality spaces, and critical venue infrastructure upgrades.
For Edgemoor/Sunflower Development Director Banks Floodman, the milestone carries a personal significance. “I’ve witnessed KU’s football program evolve over many years, from my time on the team during college through my stint in the Athletics Department earlier in my career. This development is an exciting next step for the program and for the University. Seeing that beam go up drives home the impact this project will have on the members of the KU and greater Lawrence community.”
KU’s Athletic Director Travis Goff expressed his gratitude for the project team and the significance of their efforts during the ceremony. “I’m just so proud of the project. We have a remarkable team that is part of what is arguably the most complex and far-reaching development in our region. Certainly it is when we think of Lawrence and the University of Kansas, but it even transcends that. This will be one of the best homefield environments in the country.”
Following this milestone, the project team will shift focus to enclosing the building and advancing interior construction, with Phase 2 on track to deliver a reimagined stadium experience that supports both athletics and broader campus life.
About Clark Construction Group
Clark Construction Group is one of the largest building and infrastructure companies in the United States. Our portfolio spans every major building market, from public to private, corporate to cultural, education to entertainment, and the infrastructure connecting it all – power, transit, water, and roadways. Since 1906, we’ve been delighting and delivering value to our clients and project partners, providing diverse opportunities for our team, and strengthening the communities where we live. With offices strategically located across the country, we pride ourselves on being a local builder with national reach. To learn more, visit www.clarkconstruction.com.
About JE Dunn Construction
JE Dunn Construction, founded in 1924, is a family- and employee-owned company and one of the largest domestic general building contractors in the United States, with more than 26 offices nationwide. For more than a century, we have been building authentic partnerships by putting people first and doing the right thing — for our clients, our partners, and the communities we serve. Our approach prioritizes communication, collaboration, and an integrated suite of services, including general contracting, construction management, EPC, and design-build — delivered with an unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and certainty across a wide range of markets. We exist to enrich lives through inspired people and places.
About Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate
Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate is a leader in the development, financing, leasing, operations, and activation of public buildings, infrastructure, and commercial real estate, with over $5 billion of work completed or under development, including the University of Kansas Central District Development project in Lawrence, Kansas; the Kansas City International Airport New Terminal project in Kansas City, Missouri; and the University of Nevada, Reno, Mathewson Gateway project in Reno, Nevada.
About Sunflower Development Group
Sunflower Development Group is a Kansas City-based real estate development firm focused on the acquisition, development, and long-term ownership of multifamily, student housing, mixed-use, retail, hospitality, and commercial properties throughout the Midwest. Sunflower oversees all phases of the development process, from site acquisition and entitlements to financing, construction, leasing, and asset management. The firm is committed to delivering high-quality projects that create lasting value for communities, investors, and stakeholders.
