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Posted on Oct. 18, 2007
By RANDOLPH HEASTER
The Kansas City Star

KCP&L to be Official Sponsor of Power & Light District

A prominent clock tower featuring a wind turbine will be the centerpiece of Kansas City Power & Light Co.'s sponsorship of the new downtown entertainment district.

The Cordish Co. made it official today by proclaiming KCP&L as the signature sponsor of the $850 million, nine-block, mixed-use project in downtown Kansas City. The official name now is the Kansas City Power & Light District, said Blake Cordish, vice president of the developer.

Cordish said KCP&L's role in developing the entertainment has been unique, unlike many other projects in which the company has participated.

"It's very rare when a major company comes in for civic reasons to help make a dramatic transformation of downtown," he said.

Bill Downey, KCP&L's president and chief executive, called the entertainment district "another step in the revitalization of Kansas City."

Downey said one reason for the utility's sponsorship will be to provide downtown visitors with education on energy efficiency and renewable resources. The KCP&L clock tower will have an electronic display at the base that lights up when the wind turbine is spinning fast enough to generate electricity.

There also will be informational kiosks throughout the entertainment district with various messages about energy efficiency and some of KCP&L's investments in energy renewable programs.

KCP&L's sponsorship will also fund free entertainment events at the district throughout the year, often in conjunction with activities happening at the Sprint Center, Downey said.

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